Satisfied in My Lord
by: Anne Coleman Hufham
June 11, 2025
“I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength”
What does it look like to be content in the Lord in every season? Philippians 4:13 is a verse everyone is familiar with; “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength (New International Version).” This verse is on cars, refrigerators, included in bios, and more. It is a powerful verse that imparts faith and confidence in Jesus! Over the last few months, the Lord has been unveiling the context of this verse to my heart. Starting in verse 10 Paul stated:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul experienced famine and feasting, abundance and lack, promotion and utter rejection. He had learned the secret to being content in all things: Christ Jesus, who supplies him from within. We all encounter difficulties in our lives at some point. Maybe not to Paul’s radical degree of starvation, being shipwrecked and beaten. But it could look like crushing disappointment, betrayal, or unanswered, desperate prayers. Praise God for this revelation that Paul shared with us! The secret to being content in all things, all seasons and circumstances, is Christ Jesus, who strengthens us from within.
To be content means to be at rest with God, with yourself and with others. To deeply trust and know that God knows every single one of the concerns in my heart, and He is working it all out for my good. I may not see the reason right this second, but I can trust and know that one day there will be fruit from this season because I have put my trust in Him.
What does this look like in my life? I have recently heard the Lord say “crucify complaining” and I have not been able to shake it. I often find myself just like the Israelites who were set free from slavery in Egypt through miracles God accomplished for them, only to complain and want to go back. God’s heart for them was to bring them into the Promised Land, yet they missed out on it because of their own complaining. How often do we respond the same way? Jesus did not complain when He went to the cross for you and me.
Paul encourages us in Colossians 3 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This requires great faith on our part. Smith Wigglesworth once said “I will not be moved by what I feel, I will not be moved by what I see, I will be moved by what I believe.”
What is the opposite of complaining? Thankfulness. We are told over and over again in the scriptures to be thankful. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I believe that thankfulness is a powerful weapon that breaks off anxieties and ushers in the peace of Jesus.
Friends, spend time in worship today and repent for complaining, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Nail it all to the cross and let the peace of Jesus flood your soul. There is purpose in the season you are in. God does not make mistakes. Surrender your cares to Jesus and let Him strengthen you.
Worship: Jesus, Lover of my Soul & Spontaneous
Prayer
God, I repent today for complaining, arguing, mumbling. I repent for choosing to dwell in my disappointment. I repent for every word that has come from my mouth that has not been a seed of life sown. Holy Spirit, I ask that you would renew my mind to stay fixed on Jesus, to recognize that my life is hidden with Christ in God. Lord, show me what this means for me today. May Your joy be my strength in every circumstance.
Further Study
Colossians 3, Philippians 2:14-15
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To be content means to be at rest with God, with yourself and with others. To deeply trust and know that God knows every single one of the concerns in my heart, and He is working it all out for my good. I may not see the reason right this second, but I can trust and know that one day there will be fruit from this season because I have put my trust in Him.