• Needs and wants are not the same thing, and I can do without a lot of the things that I want.  When read in context, Philippians 4:13 is actually talking about Paul’s ability to be content in all circumstances, whether in need or in plenty – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
  • God is my “hiding place” – Psalm 32:7.  When I am afraid or lonely, He is the one sure place of protection and deliverance.  Even when others may disappoint, He never does.
  • God wants to carry my burdens for me – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  When I am anxious, worried, fearful, tired, lonely, or scared, He provides my rest.
  • While Jeremiah 29:11 is as true as it has ever been, God’s plans for me are not necessarily my plans.  The ways that he wants to give me “a hope and a future” do not look like I would design them.  I am learning (slowly) to be content with His plans for my life and for my family, even though He may close doors that I would kick open if I could.
  • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23) – My talents and abilities are to be used for God alone, and not for the praise of man.  I am learning to do whatever I need to do without expecting any sort of recognition, praise, or notice.  If God blesses me with those things, all the glory goes to Him.  If not, I am learning to be content (see a theme?).
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” – Proverbs 3:5-6.