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February 05, 2021

Paul's Secret

February 05, 2021 by MANDY POST CONTENTMENT Contentment Culture shock Trust Transitions
Paul's Secret
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 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.
Philippians 4:6-13

When our world is swirling around us and nothing feels normal, how do we find contentment? Living in another culture can often feel unsettling, awkward, and unpredictable. Peace of mind and peace of heart feel unattainable. You think you’ve got things figured out, and then they change.  


Dictionary.com defines contentment as “assenting to or willing to accept circumstances.” How can we do that when our circumstances seem to be ever-changing? 


Be encouraged! There is One who never changes (James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8), and we must run to Him. Accepting our shifting circumstances happens when we trust our everlasting Father. We find contentment when we give everything to Him who is secure, solid, dependable, and eternal, unlike our circumstances.  


When we move (again), try a new ministry strategy, change the way we educate our children, or eat new foods, we find contentment by telling God about these things and thanking Him for what He is doing (Philippians 4:6). We change our thoughts from begrudging our circumstances to thinking on what is worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). We praise God for our new home where we can live the gospel out in front of new neighbors. We praise God for courage to try new ministry methods. We praise God for the variety of ways (schools, books, technology, etc.) to educate our children. We praise God for our taste buds and trying food not available anywhere else in the world. It is when we trust God with our circumstances that He overwhelms us with the peace of Christ in our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7, 9b). 


Is it a coincidence that Paul writes these verses just before he says he has learned the secret to be content in all circumstances? Sitting as a prisoner, contained and restrained after freely starting new churches and sharing the Good News, Paul says he has learned to be content. He didn’t learn this from his parents or teachers but from enduring ever-changing circumstances. And Paul urges us to follow his example in trusting our all-sufficient Saviour, Jesus Christ, through our own changing circumstances (Philippians 4:9a). 

Closing Prayer
Father, we praise you for our shifting circumstances that teach us to be content in our all-sufficient Saviour, Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, help us to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise so that the peace of Christ will guard our hearts and minds. Strengthen our faith in our God who took care of Paul and will supply all our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20)
Resources
Book: Philippians For You by Steven J. Lawson This book breaks Philippians down in an easy-to-read and easy-to-apply format. It’s a practical resource that could be used as a Bible study or to help in ministry leadership.
Songs: The Secret, Think About It, and Do Not Be Anxious by Seeds Family Worship Our family has enjoyed learning Scripture through songs, and Seeds Family Worship makes it fun!
Question for Reflection

List a circumstance you have experienced, or are currently experiencing, that steals your contentment in Christ? What has helped (or helps) bring peace to your heart and mind during situations like this?

Comments
Mandy Post
February 05, 2021

Our home assignments are during the summer breaks, and we live with my mom. We have no regular routine, we travel a lot, and we eat very few home cooked meals. Our family often feels unsettled so we repeat the phrase that “home is where we are all together.” When we have a rare moment of just our family, we try to do our normal family things (i.e. high/lows, movie night, play a game). I pray A LOT for my attitude and heart, and we thank God for all the experiences He blesses us with while in the States.