The secret to being content in any and every situation
(Please read Philippians 4: 8-23)
This week, we’re wrapping up Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The book has also been called “Joy Book” partially because that church gave Paul so much joy. So much of this letter is devoted Paul’s focus on finding joy and happiness in life – regardless of a temporary earthly situation. Paul stressed in accepting hardships and rejoicing in the good things, the blessed things from God.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
It’s easy to look outside the box at our neighbors and friends and wish we had this or we could do that. By looking at others through this lens, it takes away from the gifts and plans that God has for us. Paul wanted his brothers and sisters of Philippi to know that he was not in need of anything because God would always provide for him.
Paul felt very strongly that whatever God had planned for him, he could accomplish with God’s help. Despite any shortcomings, Paul would succeed if it was according to God’s glory. Paul knew how to abound through hardship and hunger. He suffered tremendously in his mission. He also learned how to be content in every situation. That is not something he was born with, he had to learn this behavior.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul attested that he could not have done any of this work for God apart from God. His statement endorsed the assurance that we can do anything that God calls us to do, not anything we want to do. It is not for our personal or professional gain. Paul encouraged the Philippians that God would always give us strength to be content no matter what.
“The opposite of this is of ourselves, we can do nothing (John 15:5).”
Application:
Are you complaining about your hardships in life? Do they strip you of dignity, character, and joy? Humans are not initially equipped to be content when bad things happen to us. Times were especially hard in first the century Christians and Paul was compelled to put this suffering into a bigger context. If he could find contentment and joy through his struggles, so could his fellow Christians. So can we.
Key Takeaways:
- What are 3 things happening to you now that bring you down? Think about them, consider how much they sap your contentment in life, and then pray about releasing their control over you.
- What are 3 blessings you have in your life? Do you recognize them as gifts from God? Have you thanked God for them?
- When doing something you feel called to do, are you confident or fearful? Do you believe that God has given you ability to persevere?
- What can you do for others to bring them joy?
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.