But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
– Philippians 4:10-14

~~~~~

The Secret to Being Content
By Jennifer Kane

In want, I found Him waiting,
In plenty, He still was there.
I have walked the edges of need
And bathed in fountains of abundance—
Yet in my Lord God, I stand firm,
Neither lacking nor overflowing,
But contentment and peace.
It’s in Him I’ve found a quiet strength
Coursing through my weary soul,
Filling the spaces that neither gold
Nor bread of the hand of men could fill.
I’ve found the secret of being content
It’s not in the fullness of my hands
Or the emptiness of my plate,
But in the steady pulse of grace
That runs deeper than hunger,
Richer than any treasure I might hold.
Through feast or famine, I now just stand,
Have contentment grow as I hold His hand.

~~~~~

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-14

Contentment is not something we stumble into—it’s something we learn. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, shared that he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. Whether he was full or hungry, rich or poor, free or bound, he had discovered the secret: Christ was his strength.

This passage reminds us that our circumstances don’t define our peace—our Savior does. Paul wasn’t indifferent to his needs, nor was he ungrateful for the Philippians’ support. Rather, he rejoiced in their generosity, not because he was desperate, but because their giving showed their growth in Christ.

Paul’s strength didn’t come from stoic self-discipline or emotional numbness. It came from Jesus. His ability to stay steady, grateful, and joyful through all seasons rested on Christ alone.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” isn’t a slogan for achieving our dreams or conquering worldly goals—it’s a declaration that in every circumstance, Jesus gives us what we need to remain faithful, thankful, and content. Without Him, even abundance can leave us empty. With Him, even lack is full of grace.

What circumstances are challenging your contentment today?
In what ways might Jesus be calling you to lean on His strength rather than your own?
How can you practice gratitude, like Paul, regardless of your current “state”?

Contentment doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from Christ. With Jesus we can do all things; without Him we can’t do anything.

~~~~~

Father God, I confess that I often look to my surroundings for peace. Teach me, like Paul, to be content in every situation. Strengthen me with your presence. Whether I face plenty or need, may I cling to You—the true source of joy. I can do nothing without You, but with You, I can endure all things. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

April 6 2025