“ I can do all things through him who strengthens me”–Philippians 4:13
I’ll bet (only if I were a betting man!) that just about all of us have those inspired words committed to memory. They just flow from our lips so freely. And this one little verse of Scripture has provided a rich source of encouragement, assurance, and consolation to all of us at one time or another.
Perhaps you were about to take a college entrance exam, or you were walking into an interview for a new job, or some other stressful situation was in front of you, and these precious words came to mind. In that moment you spoke them in your heart, if not out loud, “ I can do all things through him.”
Of course, these beloved words were written by the Apostle Paul who, at that time, was under house arrest in Rome. We find them in the letter he sent to the Church at Philippi, a local fellowship of believers that Paul was especially grateful for and proud of with a holy pride (1:3-7). And, remarkable as it is, this is a New Testament epistle that seems to orbit the subject of joy despite Paul’s imprisonment and the frequent afflictions of the little Church.
Have you ever wondered what Paul was referring to when he spoke of “ all things” that he could “ do” in Christ?
Well, the good news is that he actually tells us! Let’s look at this verse within its full setting:
10“ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:10-13).
We need to see that, in the first place, Paul has the Christian virtue of contentment foremost on his mind. He declares that he is able, by Christ’s abundant strength, to “ be content” despite the “ situation” in which he may find himself (v. 11). And this is the key to the passage!
Then, Paul reveals the various kinds of circumstances and situations in which He is able, by the power of Christ, to know this contentment.
First, he mentions being “ brought low” (v. 12). That is, when he is humbled, cast down, or even humiliated and abased (perhaps he is thinking especially about his arrest and imprisonment).
Then, he is able to be content in those moments of abundance ( to abound”), which is to be lifted up and to prosper.
Next, he speaks of the ability to be content in times of “ plenty” and likewise in times of “ hunger,” as well as in seasons of “ abundance and need” (v. 12).
In fact, the particular situation in which he might find himself is essentially irrelevant, for he is always “ content,” and this only by the power of Christ!
Well, all of this leads us to consider what it means to be “ content.”
The word that Paul used here (which is typically rendered “ content” in English) basically means to be self-sufficient and able to live in a way that is independent of any circumstances. It is to be satisfied and fulfilled despite one’s situation.
So the point is that by the power of Christ, Paul is able to find joy, peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment despite whatever is going on around him or happening to him! The “ secret” of living this way is knowing that Christ is always providing him with the strength to carry on with joy and spiritual fulfillment, and in a way that is independent of anything but his Lord!
Now, let’s try to apply this to our lives today.
This means that as we seek our Lord’s strength, He will enable us to be at rest, to be content, and totally satisfied in Him . . .
Even when we are in need.
Even when we are suffering in some way.
Even when we are in pain.
Even when things aren’t going well for us.
Even when the world is against us!
You see, our joy, our peace, our freedom, and the abundant life our Lord has granted to us, are not in any way built upon, determined by, or controlled by anything but Him! If we have the Savior in our hearts, then we have all we need right now!
Those around us without Christ are waiting in vain for something better to come along so that they may finally discover contentment and peace: a vaccine, a new administration, better laws, a more just nation, a robust economy, and many more things like these. However, even if and when such transitory things make their appearance, there will be no lasting contentment for them.
But, my beloved Brothers and Sisters, we already possess all we need in the One who has redeemed us and, therefore, we can be content now in Him!
Our contentment does not depend upon anything in this world! And when we find our hearts content with Christ, we are able to “ do all things”! We are able, as it were, to live above the changing circumstances as they confront us anew each day!
As I pray for you, and for us together as Christ’s Church, I pray that we may all know this sweet contentment in Christ Jesus. And I pray that we may experience it to such a degree that we can live faithfully for our Lord irrespective of anything happening to us.
May the Spirit of the Lord grant us this blessed contentment today!
I love you all so very much!
Mike