“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
—Philippians 4:12–13 (CSB)
From my favorite spot on the porch, I’ve noticed something about my human.
Some days the bowl is full, the house is noisy with laughter, and the world feels just about right.
Other days the bowl is lighter, the house is quiet, and there’s a bit of a heaviness in the air that even a wagging tail can’t fix.
Paul sounds like he’s been watching life from the porch too.
He says he’s learned how to live when things are plenty… and when they are not. Not because he figured out a clever trick, and not because he always got what he wanted. He learned contentment because he learned who was holding him—no matter the season.
I’ll be honest.
I don’t worry much about tomorrow.
When my bowl is empty, I trust it will be filled.
When the weather turns cold, I curl up closer to the one I belong to.
Contentment comes easy when you know who your Master is.
Humans seem to struggle with that.
They think Philippians 4:13 means they can do anything they set their minds to.
Win the race.
Get the promotion.
Fix the problem.
Change the outcome.
But Paul is talking about something deeper—and harder.
He’s talking about having strength to remain faithful whether the answer is yes or not yet… or even no.
Contentment isn’t pretending hunger doesn’t hurt.
It’s trusting God when it does.
Contentment isn’t loving abundance more than need.
It’s discovering that Jesus is enough in both.
From my low place on the floor, here’s what I’ve learned:
The strength Christ gives doesn’t always change the circumstances.
Sometimes it changes the heart resting inside them.
So today, whether your bowl feels full or empty…whether life feels loud or painfully quiet, remember this—your strength does not come from what you have.
It comes from Who holds you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll take a nap right here… trusting the One who always provides… right on time.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
