Whatever The Circumstances

by Kimberly B. Southall

We are supposed to be thankful for everything we have. And it is usually pretty easy to thank God for the things which are important to us-homes, family, friends, health, food, other belongings. But how are we supposed to feel when things go wrong? How are we supposed to feel when we lose someone or something or find ourselves in bad situations? What then?

In several different passages of scripture, the Bible tells us that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we should be content:

¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I 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. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. –1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." –Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Now, does that mean that we should be glad that we are hungry or don't have something that we need? No. The word "content" means "to be satisfied." But how could one be satisfied if he is hungry or thirsty or injured or lonely or has some other serious problem?

We can be content or satisfied, because we know that God is always with us. That's what He reminds us in the Hebrews passage above. He will never leave us. He will never forsake or give up on us. We must remember that God can comfort us when no one else can. He can supply everything that we need. We must trust Him. And sometimes His love is all that we really need in order to get us through whatever problem we are facing. When we realize that, then we can be content, or satisfied.

No matter what happens, we always have our wonderful, loving God. He is always with us. So remember that in any and every situation, whatever the circumstances, you can be content.