Peacemaker Ministries: Teach Me Your WaysSample

Thoughts

This verse is often taken completely out of context. Let me provide the preceding two verses: “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” (Philippians 4:11–12, ESV). 

Too often this Bible verse is taken to mean that we’ll have no suffering – that Jesus will make things easy for us. However, from the preceding verses this is what I know: God’s strength is for every season. In seasons of humility or plenty, his strength is there for us. In both hunger and abundance he will strengthen us. Philippians 4:13 is often quoted in times of need, but I encourage you to say it to yourself in times of abundance also. That may be the most important time to remind ourselves of this verse, because it points us to the Lord as our source.

Application

In your time of abundantly good relationships, do you rely on God’s strength? In times of strong friendships, do you believe you are operating through God’s strength? The key to keeping the lows from being too low is to keep the highs from being too high. This is so important. Begin to look at how you can steadily and consistently rely on his strength. 

Prayer

Lord, when I have plenty and when I am needy, I will declare that my strength is in you. Help me to truly be content in you at all times…. (Continue praying.)