“But I
rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished
again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak
in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I
know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I
have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer
need. I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13
NKJV
How
many today suffer from what some might call a “post-holiday” letdown? I’m talking about the feeling that all the
joy of the holiday season we enjoyed is now over and now we all have to face
the reality of life all over again.
Suddenly our jobs, the bills, and everything else that concerns us begin
to snatch away the happiness we experienced and once again we face the reality
of life as we know it, not to mention the disappointment of still waiting on our blessed deliverance from this life. Yet does it
really have to be that way? What if there
was a way to maintain a positive, joyful outlook on life that would help us
negotiate the valleys life seems to throw at us on occasion?
As
I looked at these verses from Philippians, it occurred to me that if anyone had
justification to be discontented with their own situation, it was Paul. He is sitting in prison with nothing but the
clothes on his back, and a very uncertain future staring him in the face. Yet in spite of sitting in a prison cell,
chained up, poorly fed, and wondering if he is going to live or die, rather
than complaining he shares the secret of a contented life which all of us
should strive to adopt. In just three
short verses Paul shares with the church at Philippi, and us as well, three
ways he and all other believers in the body of Christ can be content with the
life we have been given.
“But I
rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished
again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”
Paul
had a connection with the body of Christ.
He was in touch with the church at Philippi and they were doing what they
could to support him. Although there had been a period of time where they could
not, he knew they still cared and wanted to help and support him. The result
was that Paul was in his own words, “rejoicing”. Paul was happy! He knew that rather than being alone in his
suffering, he was part of the body of Christ and his relationship with the
believers in the church was producing happiness. Do you want to live a life of contentment and
joy? Be sure you have a connection with
God’s people, and look for opportunities to give. Giving produces joy!
“Not
that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to
be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and
in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound
and to suffer need.”
As
a believer, Paul was well aware that God was in charge of the circumstances of
his life. Although appreciative of the
support he was receiving, he makes the point that he really didn’t need
anything. I think it very important to
note that he says he has “learned” to be content. Paul had lived a very eventful life up to
this point, and had experienced highs and lows that we can only imagine. Yet as he looks back, he acknowledges that
God has always been with him and provided for his needs. Are you content with what God has chosen to
give you? Have you ever considered that
as believers, if we have the idea we need something we don’t already have, we
are in effect saying God is falling down on the job?
Paul
is telling us to learn to be content with what God has provided. Let me suggest what Paul had learned in order
to be content. First, avoid
comparisons. Looking at what others have
is a sure way to become discontented.
Second, lower your expectations.
Contentment comes from who we
have (Jesus) and not what we have (things). Third, be willing to adjust to changing
circumstances. Paul knew God was in
charge so his circumstances were part of a plan. Lastly, develop convictions. If you truly believe God is in charge, look
at what Paul tells us is the result.
“I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Have
you ever really thought long and hard about this verse? How different would the body of Christ be,
how powerful would the Church be, if every believer claimed and lived this
statement Paul makes? No matter what our
shortcomings, failures, or mistakes may be, our confidence should be in God’s
power and not our own. Rather than
basing contentment on what we are able to do by our own efforts, Paul tells us
that the real secret to living a life of contentment is relying on God to
provide all that we need knowing that by His strength there is nothing that can
stand in our way. Our focus in life
should always be to seek out what God would have us to do by His power and
might rather than seeking to fulfill our own desires by our own efforts.
Discontented
people are unhappy, fearful, and contentious.
All because they believe that the life they have is a result of their
own efforts, and their focus is always on protecting what they have and the
desire to have more. I think the real
question Paul asks us all in these verses is this; is Christ just a part of
your life, or is He the center of your life?
“Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
A
life of contentment is one of joy and peace, and it only comes from our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. Connect with
other believers, be happy with what God chooses to provide, and rely on God’s
strength to see you through.
Keep
watching.
