The apostle Paul was blessed with a mindset and attitude that we all should aspire to attain – knowing what it means to be satisfied and content no matter what circumstance he finds himself in. He expressed this in Philippians 4:12, “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.”

When people prosper and experience plenty there are still not really satisfied. When there is so much to choose from, they still complain. Worse still, they get arrogant, proud and have the tendency to forget God and believe that it is by their own hard work, intelligence, diligence and even their good fortune (luck) that they are where they are. No wonder the Lord warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:12-14, “Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

Paul says he knows how to remain grateful and thankful to God even when he is experiencing the good and bountiful life.

On the other hand, I have seen enough of Christians who are resentful when they are deprived of the good things in life. Paul declared that he knows the times when he was in need and even hungry and yet still satisfied.

Lord to teach us to remain satisfied no matter what!

Rev. Timothy Chow