What is your favorite bible verse? Psalm 23? Matthew 6:33? John 3:16? A bible verse on the top ten list for many Christians is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. In the Greek it literally reads: “I can do all things in Him…”. In Christ is a spiritual realm in which we experience joy, safety, and serenity because we know Jesus is providentially working in our lives.
The apostle Paul writes the Philippian letter from prison. He has been sharing Jesus with people from a spirit of love but the devil gets into the hearts of evil people and they persecute and imprison him. In the midst of that painful problem, Paul does not lose heart. He knows he is suffering for Jesus. He also knows Jesus is involved in using him to save souls and is blessing him personally. The context of the verse is the idea of Paul enduring all things in Christ who strengthens him. No wonder it is the favorite verse of many Christians.
Most 21st century Christians in America do not experience the struggles Paul had in 1st century Roman empire. We likely do not have the hardships as many in third world countries encounter today; however, we all have struggles in this life. None of us are exempt from going through times of anxiety, depression, fear, loneliness, etc. The problems of life may be different but the solution is the same. The key is to go to Christ. The key is to be in Christ – that realm of joy, safety, security, serenity and strength in the presence of the Lord as He works in our lives.
Read Philippians 4:4-13. Then list to In You by Iveth Luna.
Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.