Philippians 4:10-19
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Devotion
Throughout his faith walk, Paul learned valuable lessons that allowed him to experience peace and contentment during some of the most difficult circumstances. Paul did not always understand the reason for his circumstances, but he rejoiced in how God would use his circumstances to promote the Good News of Jesus. Below is a list of six lessons we learn from Paul’s life about contentment.
- Contentment has nothing to do with our circumstances.
- Contentment learns to overcome obstacles to it.
- Contentment is impossible without Jesus. Jesus + nothing = EVERYTHING!
- Contentment allows us to be free to receive without expectation.
- Contentment recognizes God as the source of all riches.
- Contentment allows us to rejoice always and no matter what.
In his life, Paul learned that peace and contentment were the result of God making His peace with us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. In verse seven of this chapter, Paul refers to this contentment as “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” The world does not understand this kind of peace and contentment because the world views peace and contentment as the absence of conflict. For most people, contentment is circumstantial. The “peace of God” that Paul talks about in this passage can be described as “peace in the midst of the storm.” Paul is talking about a peace that transcends our circumstances. Paul is talking about a peace that is the result of being at peace (justified) with God.
Of course, there are many obstacles to experiencing the peace and contentment that Paul is talking about in this passage of scripture. Two of the most common obstacles are “unnoticed blessings” and “unbelief that Jesus is enough.” Paul rejoiced in his circumstances partly because he could see how God was using his circumstances to expand His kingdom. Paul was always looking to see how God was revealing Himself through his circumstances. God’s revelation of Himself was truly a blessing to Paul.
Paul was also totally committed to Jesus. To him, Jesus was everything! Jesus was his reason for living and in Christ he found meaning and purpose in his life that transcended his circumstances. We can all learn from Paul. Peace and contentment can only be experienced when our lives are built on the solid rock of Jesus! All other ground is sinking sand!
Questions to Ponder
How was Paul able to rejoice despite his circumstances? What is your definition of contentment? Peace? What keeps you from experiencing the peace of God that transcends all understanding? What are some things you can practice to grow in contentment? Are you able to see God’s revelation of Himself in your circumstances? If not, why not?
Prayer Points
- Living Hope, Almighty God, Eternal God from everlasting, I worship and adore You. I hallow Your Name for You and You alone are worthy of all my praise and love. I give You all my affections, I love You Lord so much and thank You for being my all in all, my everything, my “one thing”. I worship You for being perfect, majestic, almighty and glorious.
- You and You alone oh God command the wind and the waves. You know the stars by name and You cause the sun to rise and set, who can fathom the depth of Your power and majesty?
- Thank You Lord for reminding me that You uphold all things, You uphold me, Your plans for me are good, lead my heart into Your great ways. I want to bless and worship You today in the secret place of my heart so when offenses and irritations rise up or when things don’t go my way, I will still worship You in the midst of it.
- Holy Spirit, infill me and my brothers and sisters at Oak Pointe Church and around the world. Help us to be content in all things, knowing You are a Good Father and we are richly blessed. You are our inheritance.
Suggested Prayer
Revealer of Truth, Heavenly Father, come and reveal to my heart anything that is robbing me of Your joy, stealing contentment and keeping me from living Your will. I’m sorry Abba for selfishness, jealousy, anxiety, fear, anger, discouragement, pride, lust, judgment. Have mercy on me oh God, wash me clean. Lead me into Your truth, enable me to take time to be in Your Word daily and to allow Your words to wash over me. I want to be like Mary who “treasured these things in her heart”. God I want to ponder and treasure You and Your word in my heart. Speak Lord to me, what is on Your heart today? Tell me again what Your desire is, what is Your will for me today? I rest in Your great heart as I sit before Your Throne and listen to Your voice. Speak Abba, for I am listening. In the Name of Jesus Christ I ask these things, amen.
*Continue to pray Philippians 1: 9-11 for yourself, our church family and our nation.