McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Le 1, Jn 20, Pr 17, Ph 4
…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)
Verse 13 is a favorite among athletes and others and is applied to doing all kinds of things. But there is a particular context to it that gives it it’s meaning, and the context is contentment. How do you not let your circumstances control you? He do you not get carried away when you have plenty and want more and more, or feel entitled to it? How do you avoid bitterness and despair when things aren’t going well? This is the secret that Paul speaks of. He has learned to do this. But it is no secret. It is to abide in Christ. It is to walk according to His mission, taking up your cross and following Him. It is to put the interests of others ahead of your own, to find joy I the joy and care of others, as Jesus did for us. It is to find, above all, Jesus as your goal.
