Daily Reading: (Philippians 4:10-20)
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. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4 reminds me of a classic scene in the movie Jungle Book where Balou the Bear sings about the “bare/bear necessities” of life. If Balou ever matured beyond simply the bare necessities of life- (faith in Jesus Christ) who is our life (Colossians 3:4) -he might spent some time singing about what is essential for us to thrive on earth right now? The song would be called “living in the New Covenant by Faith”.
We can learn from David who lived by faith in the promise of the covenant in which he lived. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience.
When David heard the same mockings of Goliath that the rest of the Israelites heard he responded in an entirely different way than the rest of the Israelite army. The difference between the response of David and the rest of the army was faith in God’s promise that caused David to act on his belief. Because of what Jesus has done on the cross, we have victory over every giant.
Paul just like David, lived by faith in the Covenant he lived. Paul learned during his missionary endeavors that you don’t need as much as you think you do (Philippians 4:11).
Because I have Jesus in my life, who is my life, I lack nothing. Do I see my needs through my supply or am I missing my supply because all I see are my needs? (Philippians 4:12). Our responsibility as we live our lives in the New Covenant is to exercise faith in Christ.
God invites us over to see our needs from the supply side and then recognize God’s provisions are ongoing (Philippians 4:19).
The strength of God (verse thirteen) and His supply (verse nineteen) often are revealed through our greatest struggles. Isn’t that the story of a scrawny small shepherd boy versus a massive 9 ft 6 inch giant or Paul’s autobiography?