The Satisfied Soul

How do we get to the place where we live a satisfied life? As humans we know that our satisfaction and our happiness can fluctuate depending on circumstances, but the word says that we can be in a place of contentment regardless of our circumstances. In Philippians 4, Paul spoke about how he has learned the secret to being content. It is found in His presence. Paul writes this letter that is known as the Joy later – in prison, telling us and encouraging us how much we should be rejoicing in the Lord. God has good plans for so he’s in control. Our responsibility is to come into those plans so we can experience His joy. Oftentimes we forget that God actually wants us to prosper. But Paul, interesting enough in Philippians 4 turns to our ability to prosper financially. The Father takes care of us and provides us with whatever we need, even during times of great economic uncertainty. God takes pleasure in those who serve him. But He understands that He prospers you so that you can serve Him so that you can extend His Kingdom so in the same way that you prospering other people can prosper.  11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12 I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Philippians 4:11-13 This is not a “bullet-proof” Christian mentality but rather seeing the strength of Jesus in Paul’s life was evident in his ability to be content when he did suffer need. So, this is where “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is appropriate. Paul reminds us that his contentment was not only theoretical but that he actually lived it. 7 And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 God is control and aware of our circumstances. Because God is in control of his plans, it’s our choice whether we submit to that and partner and come in line with that.  2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 5 And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. 17 Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. 18 But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19 And my God will liberally supply ([i]fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4: 15-19 We are never poor for giving. God will never be our debtor because we can never out give God. Because there’s no lack in God’s riches and glory we should anticipate that there will be no lack in God supply. There is no lacking God. There’s no lack in heaven.   How does God supply? According to His riches in Glory is the style in which God fills those empty vessels, and by Christ Jesus, describes how God meets our needs. God wants to meet your need, but He first wants your heart. 

Joy is the ability to rejoice in spite of circumstances. There is a place in God where we can find true contentment. God promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust Him. Joy in the Lord brings contentment in this life.  Joy is an attribute of the followers of Christ.  What if your generosity can lead to your contentment? Generosity creates thankfulness in you and produces it in others. Perhaps the greatest evidence that we are not content is when we lose our generosity. If we have lost the capacity for generosity, contentment is gone too. During such times, God is saying to us, “There are people who need mercy. There is family who needs your care. There is a ministry that needs your support.” If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you. Proverbs 25:22 Generosity awakens the god-conscious of a person. Your joy should be outward facing. Practicing generosity creates greater happiness, health, emotional wellbeing and sense of purpose in life. The optimal opportunity for the godly, generous giver has Christ at their core because they understand the long-term solution to life is the Lord. Ongoing life change and contentment will only happen when Jesus is at the heart. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. Philippians 4:1 Paul described himself as an offering for others, his very life being poured out for them. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:2-3 Our generosity reminds us of the bigger picture. Because its not about us it’s about Him. A life of contentment will lead to be more outwardly focused toward others. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 There is no lack in God’s riches in glory and no lack in God’s supply. Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 Jesus encouraged the freedom to give. Generosity means partnering with the mission that is bigger than yourself. God’s mission removes the focus from ourselves and puts it on Him in whom we find our joy.

There is a place in God where we can find true contentment. God promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust him. He really wants us to experience them in increasing measure, even here in this troubled world. So, He has given us the simple secret: ‘Trust me. It is the only way.’ Philippians – The letter of joy. What is joy? The ability to rejoice in spite of circumstances. If we do this in the same way Paul did – using him as an example – we will find true satisfaction. Joy is an attribute of followers of Christ. Essentially, we should be walking in joy in our daily lives.  Measuring Joy 36% of active believers describe themselves as “very happy” 25% of non-believers/inactive describe themselves as “very happy” 11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12 I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. Philippians 4:11-12 Contentment Sufficient for one’s self, requiring no aid or support Independent of external circumstances Contended with one’s lot, with one’s means, though the slenderest Content – does not mean we will always be happy but there is a direct link between our ability to rejoice and find contentment.  Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Rejoicing in the Lord is a discipline. It must be a habit. Our joy cannot be found in the “stuff” but in rejoicing in the Lord. True lasting joy is from God and is always anchored in Him. In his command, Paul instructs us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” The command states the object of our joy as God and our rejoicing to be continual and never ceasing.   Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5 Gentleness describes the heart of person who will let the Lord fight His battle. A person free to let go of his anxieties because, he knows that the Lord will take up his cause. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP “Do not be anxious”: It is a command, not a suggestion. It is within our ability to not be anxious. “In everything”: There are no areas of our lives that are not of concern to God. “With prayer and supplication”: God wants you to invite Him into your situation and ask Him to do something about And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 We “lose our minds” when we lose the peace of God in our lives. A mind not stayed on God cannot have the peace of God.  Without God’s peace, we will worry, so one of the ways to defeat worry is to have a positive, biblical attitude towards life. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Philippians 4:8 This is the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God.