Living Satisfied
Philippians 4:13, NKJV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is one of the most quoted Bible verses in modern Christianity. You’d see it plastered on T-shirts, journals, rings and bracelets in any Christian bookshop. I often write it down in my notes at Church to remind myself of Christ’s strength in me. But sadly, when quoted out of context, it becomes a scripture that sounds good on paper but has no real meaning.
Again and again, I can do all things…. “Really, Aine, all things?” I would challenge myself. Like, jump out of a car while driving at 120 km/h and still survive without injuries because you can do all things? Or head into an exam without studying and expect perfect results because I can do all things? Or walk this faith without consulting God, but it’s okay because I said I can do everything?
What I didn’t realise was the true meaning of the verse. This verse isn’t necessarily talking about being able to beat your personal record as you solve the Rubik’s cube. It’s not talking about being able to achieve perfect results in your final exam. It’s not about thinking of the impossible situation in your life and expecting God to bend and move His hand at our demands. When I read the NIV translation, I noticed that you’d see a difference from most other translations.
Philippians 4:13, NIV. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”. When we read “this” instead of “things”, it drives home the point because many interpret “all things” to mean “anything” and not “all the things” Paul talked about. “All things” is an assurance that we can do whatever God calls us to do, not whatever we decide to do. Massive difference!
The fact that Christ is the one who gives us strength is not in question here. People have trouble with the first part, “I can do all things”. See, the purpose of this scripture was to know the secret of contentment. “I can do all this” came from a place of contentment. Paul was letting the Philippians know that in the times they couldn’t reach or help him, he was okay because he knew how to be content.
Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12, NIV (emphasis added)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and 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.”
That’s what Paul is talking about in this verse. Through Christ, we have the power to face any circumstance and be content. Paul’s secret to contentment is Christ, who continually imputes His strength onto him. So Paul is saying that no matter what happens, Christ will grant you the strength to get through it. This changes the focus from Paul to Jesus.
Notice Paul said, “I can” What he didn’t say was… “I might be able to do…” or at least I can try. He was fully confident when he said, “I can do….” Paul didn’t doubt what he was able to do because he already knew it wasn’t of himself but was fully confident in the source of his strength.
Think about it; the Philippian Church was concerned for Paul because he was in jail in Rome. Paul responded that he had learned to be content in any circumstance. How many times have you heard house arrest and contentment in the same sentence? Not many! I would presume Paul was content with a lot and content with a little. He says he’s learned the secret of genuine contentment. What was it? It’s right there in verse 13: Paul can be content through Christ who gives him strength. Paul wasn’t trying to achieve greatness or make his name known. He wasn’t trying to overcome obstacles or conquer mountains. He was content while enduring.
Contentment in whatever situation you find yourself in is not typical. But the point to drive home in this text is that Paul declares that contentment can be achieved in all situations. “I can do all this” is a promise we can cling to when things don’t always go our way. Whatever life throws at us, whatever our lot; learning to be content in all things is the antidote that helps us to not only go through the process but to know that in Christ, it’s endurable.
So today, be honest with yourself; what are you facing that steals your contentment? Whatever steals your contentment steals your joy. Maybe a person in your college who barely studies get straight A’s, but you can’t match their grade despite your effort. Perhaps engagement and pregnancy announcements are flooding your social media while you wonder if your special someone will ever make an appearance or if having your family is ever on the cards.
“I can do all things through Christ” is not a statement of your ability but of contentment and trust in God to fully live the life He has given you because Christ is enough.
The fact that you can “do all things through Christ” does not guarantee an easier life. It doesn’t guarantee good grades. It doesn’t guarantee you every situation will go according to how you think it should work out for you. But it guarantees the strength to live the life that God has given you with joy in your heart and peace in your mind knowing that He is in control and His plan is more significant than yours.
The question today is, have you learnt the secret Paul is talking about here? Imagine a generation declaring; I’ve been hungry and well-fed, I’ve been in need and well off, and I’ve learnt to be content, no matter my circumstance because Christ is Enough.
It won’t always be easy. Sometimes it is deciding to walk in joy even when your feelings have caught up with you, and you long for something seemingly out of your reach. So it could be in your academic struggles, singleness, marital life or any other situation. Regardless of the circumstance, decide to walk in joy.
One of the verses I love to read to remind myself about walking in joy is Psalm 16:11, NIV
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
In his presence, there is fullness of joy. Much greater power is available to you—the power of Christ. Imagine our response when people ask about this unspeakable joy. I’ve learnt the secret Paul talks about—it is rejoicing in the Most High.
The truth is, I can’t do all this. I can’t walk through all this, I can’t be all this unless I draw my strength from Christ. I’m not enough unless He’s with me. He is more than enough and is always with me.
So, have you looked at this scripture in the wrong light? Is everything you have tried to be, everything you are and everything you look forward to pointing to Christ being more than enough? Remember, like Paul, our need for Christ is no less in abundance than in want. He continually thanked the Church for their financial support but never forgot Christ was his true sufficiency.
I pray that we, like Paul, find our sufficiency in Jesus Christ and find the strength to do all this in Him and Him alone.
Photo credit: ©istockphoto/AlexSava
