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JOY AND CONTENTMENT
Philippians 4:1-23
Paul opens his heart and lets the Philippians in. “Brothers and sisters”, “you whom I love and long for”, “joy and crown”, and “dear friends” Paul did not hold back. In chapter 1 he calls them his partners in the Gospel. And they are also his mission field. Now they are his dear friends and family. A delay in the Philippians’ response to Paul could have resulted in much anxiety and negativity but Paul chose to think well of the Philippians and kept them close to his heart.
Unlike Euodia and Syntyche, Paul chose to love. It is a quality in Paul that you will see in all his letters. His secret, which is no secret at all, is that fundamentally his joy springs from the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always!” That joy enables him to love because that joy brings him peace and contentment.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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.
This is how Paul maintains his joy in the Lord. In plenty and in need; in uncertainty and in good news; in disagreement and in unity; I can do all this through him who gives me strength.