Philippians 4:10-14

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Some verses make good bumper sticker theology. That’s not to say bumper sticker theology is good—it’s not—but some verses fall to that kind of decontextualized packaging really easily. Philippians 4:13 is one of the best of those. All by itself it makes a great personal mantra, but it can easily lead to thinking about what we can do and the role Jesus plays in that that is rather far from anything Paul meant. In context, it’s even better and more helpful. Let’s talk about what it actually means and what we should really do with it.

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In this third part of our series, Simplicity: Finding Contentment in a Busy Life, we land with both feet on the heart of Paul’s secret. What is it that gave Paul the ability to be content in all circumstances? It’s an idea that you’ve probably encountered before. But stay tuned to the end. There just may be more here than you thought there was. Thanks for reading.

The Key to Contentment

Where is your happy place? Come to mine with me for a minute. Imagine sitting on the porch of a cabin up in the mountains. It’s cool, but not too cool. The kind of cool where you could put a jacket on, but you don’t really need it. The porch looks out eastward over a majestic valley. From your post up on the side of the mountain you can see the valley opening up wide below you. There are a couple of farms down on the floor, carved out among the trees, but everything else is blanketed in deciduous beauty. It’s mid-fall and the leaves are at their peak color. And as you look out at the mountain on the opposite side of the valley, the sun is just coming up over its peak. The air is still and it tickles your nose just a bit, seasoned by the aroma of fall, as you breathe it in. And you just…sit there as the shadow line slowly recedes across the valley, chased away by the rising sun. Close by is your favorite person in the world—or, in my case, four favorite people in the world, three of whom are unusually quiet—and together you simply rest in the grandeur of God’s goodness.

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Tag: Philippians 4:10-14

Morning Musing: Philippians 4:10-14

The Key to Contentment