The Satisfied Soul – Part 1

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.

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