I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4: 11 –13)
When the light goes on, when you grasp a concept or master a math problem or complete a rubrics cube, there is an emotion that’s within each of us that says, “I finally get it.” meaning you totally understand it. It is embedded now deep into your mind or heart or soul.
Paul finally got it when he said he learned to be content, yet he had to see contentment play out in every situation. He says he knew what it was like to be hungry or well-fed, to have plenty or be without, to be free or imprisoned, to be accepted or rejected, to be at peace or be flogged. Paul found the secret, the formula, the hidden gene. It was Jesus, he now knew without a doubt that when he looked back on how he became content in each situation, it was when he turned to Jesus for his strength. He now has gone from a student in the midst of learning, to a teacher who can share how to apply this profound principle.
We, his students, can now save time looking for the answer. We know that it’s Jesus.
We know we can ask Jesus for His strength, to endure to the extent of contentment or in John’s case, even pure joy. Paul can look forward now not fearing circumstances as he has the secret weapon to defend himself. He will turn to Jesus in all things. Notice he doesn’t claim that his circumstances won’t come calling, but rather says I am now prepared for what comes my way so I no longer stress out about what lies ahead. I go about my day in contentment.
The light bulb went on and never went off.
#JustAThought…
