You've been reading it wrong the whole time

Let me start by saying two things. One, I don't necessarily mean you've been reading it wrong, more like not completely. Two, I was "reading it wrong" too.

"What is she talking about," that's what you're wondering right now, so let me tell you.

I am referring to one of the most popular verses of the bible, so popular that a lot of non-Christians and people that can't even read yet (I mean really little children, not people with disabilities) can quote it. I am referring to Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Yes, of course, we can do all things through Christ, but that's not the whole message. "What else is there," you ask. Well, let's take a look at the context, the preceding verses. Paul was writing to the church at Phillipi, and he thanked them for sending him gifts, but he told them that he could be content whether he had little or a lot, whether he was hungry or well-fed, and he could do that through Christ who strengthens him. (Read the full chapter here) So, the other message is that Christ is the ultimate source of contentment. If you eat now, you'll still eventually get hungry, but in Christ, there is no want.

Psalms 46:1-4 says "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells."

I want to draw attention to verse 4, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." This verse is a favorite of mine, Christ is an overflowing source of gladness, joy, peace, and contentment, despite all troubles like the ones described in verses 1-3. So, carry this knowledge with you this year, and be still and know that the Lord is God.

p.s. try to read the word of God in context, it can reveal to you a whole new interpretation. Someone once told me that without context, you can literally make the bible say anything you want, then it's no longer God's word, but yours.

Peace and love of Christ be with you all!!!