“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

After a family gathering, my daughter walked into our living room and found me in tears. “I miss your sister,” I explained through choked sobs.

My other daughter had recently moved thousands of miles away, prohibiting us from visiting each other. Friends tried to console me, suggesting text messages and Zoom calls. It’s not the same, I wanted to retort.

I longed to see her face, to spend the evening playing games and talking about books as we always did when she visited. How could I be content with her absence when I missed her so much?

In Scripture, the Apostle Paul told his friends in Philippi that he had learned to be content no matter the circumstances (Philippians 4:11). Paul struggled to meet basic needs like food and housing as he maintained his on-the-road ministry. But he shared in Philippians 4 that whether he had or didn’t have enough, whether he was full or went to bed hungry, he could be content.

The Greek word Paul used for “content” could also mean “self-sufficient” or “self-reliant,” describing the ability to carry on despite one's current life situation. Whether we face an empty table or empty chairs, contentment enables us not to let those circumstances devastate or paralyze us.

But how? Paul’s answer comes in our key verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). It’s hard to face the lack of family or the dearth of basic provisions. God doesn’t ask us to shove our emotions or desires to the side. But He does offer His strength so we can keep moving forward.

A few verses later, Paul reassures us of God’s provision: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).

I’ve seen God do this. After my daughter moved away, God brought us closer to other family members. We enjoyed family gatherings in new ways. And God connected me with new friends, developing stronger relationships than I’d ever had in my adult life. Most of all, I knew I could handle missing my daughter because God would give me — and her — the strength we needed to be content with where He had us in this season of life.

Maybe you miss someone who has moved miles away or moved to their final address in heaven. It can be heart-wrenching, I know, especially during certain seasons of the year when you see other families planning happy events. Friend, you can keep holding on — but not by yourself. God is available to give you the strength, comfort and wisdom you need to be content with where He has you at this moment.

Lord God, I cry out for Your strength today. Help me be content in this moment because I trust Your ability and Your desire to provide me with all I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Karen Wingate invites you to share her journey of finding contentment and delight in the small things of life — find out more in her book, With Fresh Eyes: 60 Insights into the Miraculously Ordinary from a Woman Born Blind. Order your copy here.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).

God has promised to be with us always and to give us strength to walk through the tough moments of our lives. How can the words of Isaiah 41:10 help you cope with the absence or estrangement of loved ones or with other disappointments? Share with us in the comments.

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