I Know How to Abound — Philippians; Colossians

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (October 9—15)

“When you know that you’re capable of dealing with whatever comes, you have the only security the world has to offer.”  –Harry Browne

This is my favorite quote on resilience. I like it so much I contacted the daughter of Harry Browne to see if she knew the context of when he said it. She confirmed these were his words but didn’t know any background. 

We do know the setting, however, of a similar message from Paul to the church members in Philippi. He was jailed in Rome and had suffered many trials when he wrote Philippians 4:11-13:

“...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Have you discovered this level of confidence only comes from holding on to the iron rod, staying on the covenant path and walking continually with Christ by your side? Maybe you’ve tried what the world sells for peace and security, only to find that nothing is sure or permanent, except the love of our Heavenly Father and his plan for us. 

There are many skills and tools that help us manage emotional pain, grief, stress, anxiety, and depression. They are worth learning and practicing. And when these skills are coupled with faith, a celestial perspective, and the whispering of the Holy Ghost, the power of these skills is magnified greatly for our healing.

I’ve tweaked my favorite quote from Harry Browne and added Jesus:

When you know that you, together with Christ, are capable of dealing with whatever comes, you have the only security the world has to offer.

It’s true!