Paul's Secret Sauce

“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.”
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

There’s one thing that both my boys have in common – their love of ranch dressing. They use it in abundance, and I know to ask for additional ranch if pizza, breadsticks, or chicken nuggets are on the menu. Ranch is their “secret sauce” to make just about anything taste better.

Paul was in prison when he wrote his letter to the church in Philippi. In Philippians 4:12, we discover that Paul has learned the secret to being content in every situation. He was a man that endured hardships and was even shipwrecked. Yet, he knew how to be content regardless of his circumstances. That often-quoted verse, Philippians 4:13 is really Paul referring to contentment.

But what was Paul’s secret to being content? What was Paul’s “secret sauce” that made all the difference? When we look within the verses just prior, we see that Paul writes about bringing everything to the Lord in prayer, with thanksgiving. He then gives us a list on what we should think about: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

So much of our sense of contentment begins with our thoughts. If our mind is focused on the Truth of Scripture, we can find contentment, even in the most difficult seasons of our lives. This goes beyond thinking positive thoughts. This is powered by the Holy Spirit and Jesus who enables us to do all this through Him who gives us strength!

Are there areas of your life where you struggle with contentment, dear one? Try out Paul’s secret sauce today. Pray for what’s going on and choose to fill your thoughts with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Rely on God’s strength to change your attitude and heart. He’s with you and He loves you!