Philippians 4: 10-14
Paul now turns to the gift of support he had just received from the Philippians.
(10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
He says that he appreciates their care and concern for him, and that now finally they had been able to send him some support.
(11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
He wasn't desperate, because even if he didn't have everything, he could still cope.
(12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Paul had learned the secret to be grateful and to thank God for everything He gave him, even if it wasn't very much at all. If he had food to sustain life and clothing to cover his nakedness, that was enough.
And when God saw fit to give him an abundance of food, and warm and stylish clothing, and a roof over his head, and a bed to sleep in; then he would also be thankful for all that, and not relax in the luxury, but continue to serve Him to the best of his ability.
(13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This verse is true for all of us. We are enabled and strengthened to do everything God wants us to do, whether we are impoverished or whether we have the means to live in extreme luxury. If we're looking to Him to serve Him with everything we have, then we will live in His peace and contentment, satisfied with His provision.
(14) Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
But Paul still appreciates their support, as they recognized his need and sent what they could, and God will reward them for their generosity.
O my Father, You have promised to give us everything we need, and Your provision is sometimes far more than we expect. Even when we feel that only our basest needs have been met, it's still enough, and we are still grateful for Your provision.
We are always able to turn to You for everything we need, and we know that when You hear our prayer, then You have already answered our request. If we don't see the answer yet, then we will just expect it to show up in Your time. Just in time. You're never late. And often Your provision has human finger-prints all over it.
O Father, You are with Your children in every situation and circumstance. These days of "sequestering in place" can be either very stressful or a time of closer family togetherness and fun.
Help us to see one another as You see us, Father. You love us with a Love that is beyond what we can understand, and our forced togetherness can foster a deeper care for one another, as we allow our rough edges to be smoothed and our concern will grow for the betterment of each other.
And we will emerge from this time stronger than ever, with our family bonds more resilient and lasting. And may our family bonds in Your family also be stronger, and more demonstrative of Your royal qualities of character.
Use this time, my Father, to grow us each in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and grow us up as the body of Christ into the full stature of the Son of God.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
