PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13

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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

TO PONDER

I think every generation knows the experience Paul is talking about in his letter to the Philippians in today's reading. Whether it was the lows and economic hard times of the Great Depression in the 1930's, the "recession we had to have" in the 1980's, the global financial crisis of the early 2000's or the post covid economic challenges that we are all facing today, it would be hard to imagine anyone who had not experienced both times of plenty and times of need. And of course we experience need and plenty in other areas of life beyond finances. There re times when life is good and we manage day to day fairly well and independently. Then there are times when we need a little bit of emotional support, or to have friends and family around us to help us get through.

Remember today, whether you feel like you have little or feel like you are experiencing a period of plenty, you always have Jesus who promised to be with you always even until the end of the age. He is your Good Shepherd who has promised to supply your every need, even if that need is simply rest. Turn to him and let him renew and restore you and give you strength to face whatever may come whether it be a lot or a little.

PRAYER

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep and leads them to green pastures and beside still waters. Restore my soul again today so that I may do all the things that come my way today in your strength and power not just my own. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle