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“I have nothing to wear!”

My daughter-in-law and I were talking yesterday about a special date night she and my son have planned. As she stared into her closet, she uttered the words so many of us do as we look at racks and drawers full of clothing. Dresses, tops, sweaters, jackets, and skirts, yet nothing seems to be the right thing.

And what’s our next thought?

Well, apparently, Amazon already knows. Because the moment I open my phone, there are advertisements for “Spring Inspo” with super cute jeans, tops, shoes, and jewelry to match.

Add to cart.

OK, maybe it’s not just clothes. It could be decor for our homes, the vehicles we drive, the food in our pantry, or even things for our kids. We just have to have more or something different. Yet, oftentimes, once we have it, we still feel like it’s not enough.

And that’s probably why there are storage facilities and flea markets popping up all the time. We accumulate so much, and we need places to store it or sell it so we can buy even more.

Guilty.

It’s hard to convince ourselves that we’re content when our closets, homes, and lifestyles say otherwise, isn’t it?

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress.” — Philippians 4:10–14

The major theme in this passage might surprise you. Most of the time, we focus on verse thirteen as some type of hype verse. I’ve seen it written on necklaces and bracelets for athletes for a long time. Somehow, this kid who isn’t very good at the sport puts on this jewelry and believes that God will give him the power and skills to win the game.

Could God do that? Certainly. He can do anything. But does that accomplish His will? Is that really how Paul intended this verse to be interpreted?

Let’s look at the verb “do.” In the Greek (the original text), it actually means “to have or possess.” So, this word “do” is actually less about doing and more about possessing.

If we read the passage again with that in mind, we gain a better understanding of the main focus.

Contentment.

Because Christ is in us, because we possess His power, the result is contentment. Whether we have very little or an abundance, we can be content in all circumstances.

Remember where Paul wrote this letter from—prison. He relied on the generosity of others to care for him while he was there. This passage is about thanking them for their sweet gift and generosity. But he reminded them that no matter what his circumstances were, he was content because he had the greatest gift of all: Jesus.

Ouch!

Have you ever heard the phrase “stepping on your toes”? Does this hurt you as much as it does me?

It’s easy to get caught up in this world’s quest for more. I’m grateful for Paul’s words of wisdom and gentle reminder that if we have Christ, we truly have all we need. We can thank Him when we have abundance and when we have little.

Lord, thank You! Thank You for providing all that we need each and every day. God, You are so gracious to us. Help us remember these truths and that we can be content because You are within us. And when You bless us with more, help us share that with those who are in need. Amen.

Today, let’s focus on what we have, not on what we lack. Consider what the Lord has blessed you with and how you can be a blessing to others because of it.

Want to learn more about contentment and living more like Jesus? Go to follow.lifeword.org.