March 28 2022 -- Philippians 4:10-13 -- True Peace and Contentment

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV

Perhaps you heard the sad report of another celebrity who, this past weekend, committed suicide? One might be forgiven for thinking fame and money would enough to keep someone from such self-harm. What great, gnawing emptiness must haunt a man (or woman) who has achieved the dream and still finds life intolerable. Those who claim to be believers also die by their own hand. The restlessness of the soul can only be satisfied by a relationship with Him Who made us for relationship with Himself. God, Immortal, Invisible, All-wise He is the highest joy and greatest good.

Paul wrote to believers, showing them true contentment. Rich or poor, hated or loved, free or in prison, the soul’s contentment is derived from knowing Jesus Christ. If everyone pretends to love you, and you know it is false, you can find pleasure in knowing He truly is your soul’s delight. If everyone hates you, He is the Faithful Friend Who already knows your worst and is not surprised, but was sent by the Father to rescue lost souls and hell-bound sinners from the curse of God.

If reading this opens up a longing in your soul, but one you are not sure how to satisfy, I urge you to look in your circle of friends and family and find a Christian whose walk with God you admire and ask for his help. You will find contentment, deep peace, which Paul wrote of and modern day believers continue to radiate. This world and its pleasures will wear out like and be discarded like last year’s fashions, but life’s crowning joy and lasting pleasure is to know the Eternal God as Father and His Son as Savior and Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Resurrected Savior, Blessed Jesus, Who declared: “My peace I give to you, my peace I leave you. I do not give as the world gives” (John 14:27); thank You for rescuing Your people. Mighty God Who alone lives in unapproachable Light—great are You and worthy of all praise and honour, glory and blessing. In You, LORD God, life has true purpose and lasting meaning. Spirit of Truth, guide us as believers ever deeper into the gladness of relationship with the Living God. LORD of All, direct us so that we are always ready, at any and every moment, in any place, to share the hope which is ours in Jesus Christ. May the upheavals of this life strengthen the ties of faith which bind us to You. Amen.

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