I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
When a civil war in Burundi left thousands of people without homes or food, Chrissie served displaced people in a refugee camp. She noticed a man at the end of the line who seemed to be praying. Taking him some porridge, she sat down and asked him to share his story.
He was eighty-three years old, and his wife and all seven children had been killed in the conflict. His only possessions were the clothes he wore. What he said to Chrissie moved her: "I didn't realize that Jesus was all I needed until Jesus was all I had."
This elderly man had found the secret to contentment, which the apostle Paul embraced as he endured hardship and imprisonment. To the church at Philippi, he wrote that although he knew "what it is to be in need," he understood how to be content (Philippians 4:11-12). Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, he could "do all this through him who gives me strength" (VV. 12-13). For Paul, like the man in the camp, Jesus was all he needed.
Whatever our needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can look to our Savior, Jesus, to fill us with courage, faith, and strength. When we feel like we're losing everything, we discover that Jesus is all we have-and all we need.
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
INSIGHT
- When have hardships or challenges encouraged you to lean on Christ to meet your needs?
- How can you, amid your current circumstances, put your trust in Him?
Philippians 4:4–13, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi while he was in prison, encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord, be gentle, and replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving. Paul assures them that God's peace will guard their hearts and minds, and he calls them to focus their thoughts on what is true, noble, and pure. He shares his personal testimony of learning contentment in all circumstances, whether in need or in plenty, emphasizing that his strength comes from Christ. Theologically, this passage teaches that joy, peace, and strength are not dependent on external situations but are found through a deep, trusting relationship with Christ, who empowers believers to endure and thrive in every situation.
PRAYER
All-sufficient Jesus, You give me strength to do the next thing. I'm weak amd I'm tired, but I will seek true contentment in you. In Your Holy name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: NEHEMIAH 7-9; ACTS 3
