Digging in

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:4, 6, 11-13

There is a ton to unpack in these five verses. I could start with the call to rejoice always, which is never easy. I could delve into making requests while trying to maintain a heart of thanks. I could go back and forth on how it's equally hard to be content whether we are in want or abundance. I could take verse thirteen and use it to empower me in my attempts to do everything (which isn't necessarily wrong, but not in keeping with the original context of the passage.

But to keep it short, each verse provides me with a quick reminder as I labor on. My trust is frequently being addressed in recent days. I am trying to look at each new circumstance as an opportunity to press harder into the arms of my heavenly Father. I want to keep digging in, burying my head deeper and deeper into his embrace. Unfortunately, I make it harder by constantly looking elsewhere.

These verses speak right to me exactly how I need them to. Rejoice. Trust. Pray. Be thankful. Learn contentment. Rely on Christ to do all these things.