June 07, 2023 | Be On Mission
The Secret of Being Content
Scripture: Philippians 4(NIV)
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 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.
10 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. 11 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.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 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; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 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. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Devotional
The concluding chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers is chock-full of spiritual wisdom. Let’s delve into one of them.
In verse 6 Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Before you think that Paul doesn’t know about the things that cause you great anxiety, remember that he was writing this from a two-year house arrest in which he was chained and guarded without end.
But really, how can you reduce anxiety by a better prayer life? One simple model of prayer I often use is the acronym ACTS. It stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
A – Adoration. Begin with praise to God. Keep a list of the attributes of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Spend significant time praising the Lord for who He is and what He does.
C – Confession. Be honest with God. Admit where you have failed. Repent of the sin in your life. Lay it all on the table. Ask for the forgiveness of Christ to be yours, and for the Lord to give you victory over sin.
T – Thanksgiving. Give thanks to God. Thank the Lord for all that you have: your family, your friends, your home, your job, your freedom, your church, and so much more. Don’t forget the little things you take for granted.
S – Supplication. Make requests to God. Come before Him with a humble heart and ask the Lord to intervene for the needs of you, your loved ones, and even your world. Nothing is too big or too small for God.
When you are finished praying, just be still and be present with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to overwhelm you. Open your palms and heart to Jesus, and trust Him to take away any anxious thoughts or burdens. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).
Poem
Mind Game
Life rolls the dice
You make your move
Decisions now begin
Where will you land?
Where will you sit?
Where will you spend?
“Pass ‘Go’”
Life deals the cards
You plot your plan
Decide what you’ll discard
What will you draw?
What will you sort?
What will you risk?
“Full house”
Life spins the wheel
You make your choice
Decide which door you’ll enter
Behind one, wide road
Behind two, narrow
Behind three, apathy
“Let’s make a deal”
Life sets the board
You have your days
Decide how you will live them
Whatever mean and bitter?
Whatever true and noble?
Whatever humble, righteous?
“Mind game”
