“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:11–13, NIV)

At Thule Air Base in Greenland — where it was a brisk 20 degrees below zero — an Air Force cargo plane sat waiting. The crew, shivering and frustrated, couldn’t leave until the sewage tank was pumped out. The Airman assigned to the job didn’t seem to be in any rush.

The Aircraft Commander, freezing and fed up, chewed him out and threatened punishment. But the Airman calmly replied, “Sir, I have no stripes, it’s 20 below, I’m stationed in Greenland, and I’m pumping sewage. What are you going to do to punish me?”

You have to appreciate his perspective.  Beneath his sarcasm is a powerful truth: sometimes life already feels like it’s dealt all the hardship it can.  When you’re knee-deep in sewage (or any other difficulty), it’s hard to imagine how things could get any worse.  But that can also be the moment you realize just how little control others have over your peace.

Paul, writing from prison, understood that.  He said, “I’ve learned to be content in any and every situation.”  He knew what it was to be hungry and full, praised and punished, free and in chains.  But through all of it, his strength and peace didn’t come from his circumstances — they came from Christ.

That’s the secret.  When your identity and your joy are grounded in Jesus, no situation can shake you.  Even if you’re standing in the muck, you can say with confidence, “What else can you throw at me?  I know where my strength comes from.”

So, whether you’re soaring high right now or about to hit rock bottom, remember that your worth isn’t tied to your circumstances.  It’s anchored in the One you belong to — and he is with you in every moment, offering strength for the hard days and grace for the tough assignments.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being my strength in both the easy and the hard places. When I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances, remind me that my peace comes from belonging to you. Help me to find joy when life gets tough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day