What State Do You Live In?

Philippians 4:11-13

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Most of us do very well when things are going our way, but how do we handle life when things don’t go the way we had planned? Do we become irritable, grouchy, angry or discouraged? It is a fact of life: we are going to have good times and we are going to face difficulties. Jesus made this point very clear when he said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians and told them that he had discovered the secret to being content in the good times as well as the trying times. The secret is that Paul finds strength and contentment when he does everything in and for Christ. What is important to remember today is that it’s not how much you have, but who you know, namely Christ. Whatever state you are living in today, remember there is always room for two. Don’t go it alone.

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Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.

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