The Secret of Living

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul thanks the Philippians for their generous gifts. “Not that I was ever in need,” he says, “for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul was thankful for the gifts, but he understood that God was ultimately his provider. He knew Christ would give him the strength he needed to endure, no matter if he had to live with little or plenty. Paul understood it is God who clothes the grass of the field, sets the boundaries for the seas, gives the birds shelter, and provides everything that you and I need. Paul says, “I have learned how to be content.”

What about you and me? Have we learned how to be content with God’s provision? Or do we continuously yearn for more? Being content is not about settling. It’s about trusting. It’s about knowing God as your provider, whether he provides little or much. God does not always provide everything we want, but he always provides everything we need. We can trust him when we have plenty. We can trust him when we have little. 

Have you learned the secret of living? Can you say that you can do everything through Christ who gives you strength?