Philippians 4:11-13 - Content with a full stomach

"11 ...I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11–13, New Living Translation, 2015)

That last verse is often ripped out of context: People want it to say that Christ gives me strength to excel in some sport, to achieve my personal goals, etc. But Christ gives me strength to be content... satisfied.

Paul doesn't advocate some austere asceticism--retiring to a cave to live like a hermit. Just the opposite. He learned to be content with an empty stomach or a full stomach. "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

The holidays tend to be a time that we not only indulge, but we overindulge. Paul isn't saying that Christ gives us strength to be gluttons. But when our stomach is full and we are tempted to go further and stuff our face with unnecessary food, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Then again, there may be things missing this season, and not just food. There may be an empty chair at the table this Thanksgiving or Christmas. Finances may be tight. Illnesses. Perhaps there's a personal loss that can't even be put into words. Yet, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

We thank you, God, for when you shower us with blessings. Give us contentment with what You have provided. But in lean times and when we suffer loss, we run to Christ to give us strength to still be content, even as we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." In His name, Amen.

Photo: My son-in-law, Christopher Wurpts, preparing an after-Thanksgiving meal of Dal Makhani, November 2020.