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.
