Making The Best Of Every Situation

 

“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” (Philippians 4:11-12). These are the words of the Apostle Paul written from prison. This didn’t come naturally; it had to be learned. The Apostle says he makes the best of those times when he is in need. When he doesn’t have enough to eat or a warm bed to sleep in, he says he has done this even now when he is in prison. He is grateful for the times when there is plenty, but equally grateful for those times when he doesn’t have enough.

What is this secret that Paul has learned—that has changed his life? The secret that enables him to be content in any and every situation. I think he states it in these words: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). That is an amazing statement which translates to “I can manage with less food, uncomfortable living conditions, because I can do this through Christ who gives me the strength I need. Equally important is that he accepts those times when he has more than enough. These times don’t seem to spoil the Apostle or make him think he deserves to live this way all the time.

Isn’t this a secret we all need? We often think, “If I just had more money, more opportunity, more success, more influence, how different my life would be.” This secret teaches us to believe that God is in control and that He gives us the plenty and the want, the feast and the famine. If this is true, we can, like Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” This is a life-changing mentality. We don’t need anyone else in life; we don’t need anything else to make us fulfilled because we have Christ. He gives us the strength to face each situation.

What situation is robbing you of your joy? What need is causing you to envy your neighbor and think I would be happy if I had what he has? No, if you have Christ, you have all you need to experience real, authentic joy.

Paul exhorts us to work on our thinking: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). There is a serious connection between what we think about and how we feel. This is also part of the secret.

 

Author of Crianza Responsiva:

https://www.amazon.com/Crianza-Responsiva-Principios-conectados-saludables-ebook/dp/B08FW8Q7D5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crianza+responsiva&qid=1610663595&sr=8-1