By David Phillips
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. Philippians 4:11-13.
Oh, if only we could master that matter of being content with whatever situation we are in. But just what is that contentment that Paul speaks of, and how can we get it? Our modern dictionary defines content or contentment as “being in a state of peaceful happiness”. I don’t think God necessarily wants us to be peacefully happy with every situation we find ourselves in. Perhaps this misunderstanding is part of the reason some people accuse Christianity of being unrealistic. Again, what is this matter of being content that Paul exemplifies?
The word translated content in Philippians 4:11 means literally “adequate, needing no assistance” (Vine). So the adequacy, the needing no assistance part is referring to the fact that if we are serving God, then He is our supply train, furnishing us adequately for whatever we need. Paul addresses the same concept in 2 Corinthians 3:5,6 – Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant…
So again, the contentment we should have is really a sense of adequacy, or sufficiency that is the result of our trust in God to help us through whatever comes along.
Here is where we tie back in to the context of Philippians 4:11. Paul is carefully explaining the fact that he has learned not to let the situation control him, his thoughts, his actions. This education that he has received, resulting in being able to be content in any situation, is the result of his relationship with the Lord. Paul hasn’t learned to be happy with every situation he is in, but he has learned that God will adequately equip him with all that he needs to deal with every situation.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (v.13) I really like the way this verse is rendered in the J.B. Phillips translation: I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.
No matter which translation you prefer, the point is that the Christian has at his or her disposal all he or she needs to be adequate for the demands of life, whatever they may be. So, come COVID-19 or high water, God will see us through it.