I was listening to a podcast today from Francis Chan (one of my favorite pastors) and he was talking about Philippians 4. The talk was primarily focused in being content regardless of your circumstances. How funny it was that God led me to this podcast today, because a number of friends in my life needed to hear about this very topic! (Isn’t it funny how God always reveals messages that “our friend” needs to hear. Because surely we have it locked down already)…
So Francis gives this incredible talk about how we need to be content regardless of our circumstances, and I was so compelled to go deeper into the apostle Paul’s message to the Philippians that I decided to read through the whole book of Philippians. And what God revealed to me was exactly what someone close to me needed to hear! (Little did I know, they weren’t the only ones that needed to hear it.).
The primary thing God led me to in the book of Philippians was this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. Finally, brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:4-8
Whatever the situation may be, we need to understand that our circumstances do not dictate the peace we have in Christ! His peace transcends all understanding, and does not bow down to any circumstance. If you’re out of a job, broke, lonely, struggling, hurting, feeling useless, feeling like you’re not going anywhere, anxious, angry, or just plain run down by life’s heavy loads, you must remember that your circumstances do not dictate who you are in Christ. Your circumstances do not define your value. Your circumstances are merely a temporary external obstacle in which to grow past. Therefore REJOICE! (and Paul even says it twice!) Rejoice and focus only on these things:
Whatever is:
- true
- noble
- right
- pure
- lovely
- admirable
- excellent
- praiseworthy
It’s not going to be easy, but do it anyways.
Not too long after I had Gotten this divine revelation, I got the opportunity to share it with that close friend that I thought needed it. But it didn’t quite play out the way I had hoped, and in turn I ended up needing it more than the other person (God definitely has a sense of humor).
So I can actually tell you FIRST HAND that if you FOCUS on what God has blessed us with, and we secure our contentment with our identity in Christ, we can experience God’s peace that transcends all circumstances. Then soon people will start to notice that you live your life beyond circumstances that would otherwise dictate a lack of peace. They will notice that despite things not being “ideal” that you are still secure in where God has you, and they will demand an explanation! They will ask why you have such peace, and why you are so content… then, you have one of the greatest opportunities in the world… to share Jesus with them.
Live a life that demands an explanation.
Hope this blesses somebody! If it blesses you, feel free to leave a comment below by clicking here.
The foodshare ministry where I volunteer has had it’s ups and downs and probably one of the toughest things for me is after spending a long 2 hours setting up all the tables alone or with only 1 other person and then setting out food with other volunteers I find I am well worn out and we still haven’t even served anyone yet. Then the volunteers are rushed through their opportunity to shop the tables and because of the rush by the person who is trying to limit her own time there my/our spirits are so low that for many the thought of being content is long gone. However for me…Seeing people whom God has sent that I can help serve, some with children who now know me for the stickers I give them, makes it worth it. To have folks ask me what to do with produce that at one time I had NEVER seen, that I have now researched for them, or to just talk to people who walk in with a sad look on their face and engage them and try to help them walk out a little more CONTENT than they came in gives me the joy to know that I am making a difference there. That feeling of contentment quickly replaces any fatigue and is why I give a prayer of thanksgiving when I get in the car to leave each time I am there.
That is awesome.
Thanks for that on time Word from God, it truly bless me. May God contiune to bless you richly and keep doing the will of God. Thank for being your brother’s keeper and I will be praying for you.
Thanks Tanieka! I’m glad God led you to this post.
Btw… I noticed you don’t have a Gravatar – check out this post: http://dustn.us/blog/gravatar
Thanks for the post. This is a great scripture and one that I often use to remind myself of exactly what you and Chan are saying. I feel this scripture is a summary, of sorts, of the book of Job. Hold on to God and rejoice in who He is because even if we lose everything in this world God is still with you. And the peace you have in those moments will have others demanding an explaination….just like Job’s friends.
I’m glad it connected with you Mark! Great feedback!
Great timing. I needed to hear this today. Nice post Dustin.
Thanks Kurt!
This is so up lifting just what I needed to read today.
Awesome! I’m so glad you found it Glenda!