I’m sure most of you have at least heard Philippians 4:13 quoted at some time in your life, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” It’s a great verse and stands on its own as both a source of strength in uncertain times and as a source of comfort when we feel small or weak. But I wonder, have you ever looked at the context of this verse?
In this section of Philippians, Paul is thanking the Philippians for their gifts and support. While he is thanking them however, he impresses upon them that we should not seek the world as the source of our fulfillment. Though he appreciates their gifts and support, he acknowledges the true source of his fulfillment is in the Lord. The verse that struck me most while checking out the context of Phil. 4:13 was the verse immediately preceding it, “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.” (Phil 4:12). This is such a convicting and encouraging couple verses for me. Convicting in that it reminds me of all the times that I gripe or complain about whatever circumstances I may be in instead of leaning on God as my strength and fulfillment. It is encouraging in that it plainly portrays an example in Paul of a Godly man, seeking and finding the strength and peace of God, and sharing it with others. Paul is resting in the promises of strength and peace found many places in the scripture. This verse out of Psalms is probably the most straight forward example of those promises, “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11).
I think that if we could learn to fully trust God and hold Him to his promises, we could start to experience this contentment “in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” I know that in my life I have felt insecure and I have felt small. I have felt insignificant at times, and undeserving of God’s love. The good news for all of us is that being deserving has nothing to do with it. God loves unconditionally. No one could ever earn the tremendous love of God, but He gives it freely. God’s love is our source of strength and peace. The contentment that Paul speaks of doesn’t have to be a “secret,” it is right there in the Word for us to read. It is a promise to everyone who seeks God first in their lives.
I would like to challenge everyone reading this message to look inside yourself and ask the following question. Am I content in the holy and awesome love of God, do I trust God to honor his promises of strength and peace in a difficult world, or am I still seeking fulfillment in the things of this world and trying to stand on my own failing strength? If the answer you find is not one that brings peace, pray about it, speak to your friends, your parents, your youth group leaders. In the family that is the Church, one of our greatest strengths lies in our support and love for one another.
God Bless,
Devin Campbell
