PhilippiansSample

Up to this point in our devotional, you have seen the word “joy” used numerous times by Paul. Within all 4 chapters, he uses the verb “rejoice” six times and the noun “joy” four times. Paul prays with joy (Philippians 1:4), instructs that we are to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1), and for added emphasis, says that we are to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS just a chapter later (Philippians 4:4). It is clear that if Paul wanted to communicate one thing in his letter to us, it would be to have joy. The question I have is, how? How do we have joy if life is not going great? How do we have joy when things don’t turn out the way we would have hoped? How do we have joy in a world full of trials? I believe that Paul answers that exact question in Philippians 4.

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” (Philippians 4:11-12). Contentment is the gateway into a life marked by joy. However, how you define contentment is of the utmost importance. I believe, like Paul says, there is a secret to contentment. For many years, I viewed contentment as just being okay with the situation I found myself in. Contentment was simply a matter of accepting, but I believe that God offers us something more. I believe contentment is not being okay with your situation, but making the most of your situation. I think that is exactly the attitude Paul takes while in prison. He wasn’t just okay with the fact that he found himself in prison, although that would be an accomplishment in itself. Paul wrote, arguably the most popular chapter in all of the bible, while in prison. He wasn’t satisfied with letting the situation just happen to him, but he was determined to make the most of the situation he was in. Contentment is an active choice not a reactive choice.

So today my question for you is: What can you make the most of? I believe the answer to that question is the answer to how to have joy in the midst of a trial. A joy that cannot be stolen.

Prayer points:

• Thank God for His provision and that He always takes care of you.
• Ask God to help you grow in contentment.
• Ask God to give you a perspective for what you can make the most of today.