Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Note that Paul says that he has learned to be content in any situation. In other words, he had to go through a variety of experiences — some good, some bad — and through those experiences learned to trust in the grace and power and peace of God. Read the passage several times. Meditate on it. Note that in verse 13 Paul tells us not only the secret of contentment, but also how he learned it. It’s a famous verse that is frequently quoted, but just as often misunderstood.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This verse is most often quoted by people who claim that God will help them achieve their goals and dreams. It is particularly popular among athletes and entertainers. But let’s be crystal clear: the “all things” that Paul is talking about are things that are pleasing to God.
In other words, you learn contentment by trusting and doing. Rarely does God simply give you peace and contentment. If you want to experience contentment in Christ, then you just respond to his love and his lordship. You must trust him and do what needs to done in response to the reality of the situation. And the more challenging the situation, the deeper the trust, and the more difficult the doing.
Consider the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel. They are a great example of contentment as they stood their ground in face of Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimatum: “If you do not worship [the image], you will be thrown immediately into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hand?” (Daniel 3.15)
Their reply (3:16-18) is powerful in its clarity, and in their trust in who God is.
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.”
The three men did not panic. They were calm, purposeful, and spoke with clarity and confidence.
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.”
They were respectful, but bold and decisive — they knew their God!
“But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
They simply asserted that whatever happens doesn’t change their trust in the Lord. God intervenes, or he doesn’t. They are delivered from the fire or burned by it. They live or they die. Either way, they knew God and were content.
The key point from Philippians and Daniel is that contentment is not determined by the situation. Peace is not about circumstances. Contentment is about trusting God and doing what needs to be done.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26.3-4)
