In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:12b

Those of us who grew up in the 1950s remember a game show called “I’ve Got a Secret.” Every week, celebrity panels hosted by Garry Moore tried to guess the secret of a mystery guest.

The apostle Paul presented a similar challenge to the Philippian Christians. His “secret” for contentment in every circumstance? “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Today, contentment is in short supply. News broadcasts bombard us with violent videos of wars and disasters. Financial reports threaten our retirement savings, and lab reports raise doubts about our physical health. But through the Holy Spirit we know Paul’s secret — in every circumstance we can do all things through our Savior who strengthens us.

Eileen Ritter
Byron Center, MI

Lord Jesus, you are our strength and our joy. Help us to trust in you in every circumstance. Amen.

Reflect: Is someone feeling threatened by their circumstances? Share Paul’s “secret” with them.

Read: Philippians 4:4-13 and 1 Timothy 6:3-10