The Secret Of Joy, Peace, And Contentment in All Circumstances

Posted on July 13, 2022

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The Secret Of Joy, Peace, And Contentment in All Circumstances

I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.Philippians 4:13 (TPT)

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].Philippians 4:13 (AMPC)

A closer look at the context of this oft quoted text reveals more than the general application by believers.

In AD 60, Paul was imprisoned in Rome, and for the next two years while under house arrest (Acts 28:30-31) he encouraged local churches via letters written from prison. This letter to the Philippians was just one of four “Prison Epistles” written during this time, when they were also facing opposition from the outside as well as a fair amount of strife and division from within. Can you relate to this also?

Paul had visited the church in Philippi during his second missionary journey (Acts 16) and again on his third journey through the region (Acts 20:1-6). Even after he departed, Paul continued to enjoy a warm relationship with the Philippians, who were diligent in providing financial support to the apostle during his ministry.

In fact, upon learning that Paul had been imprisoned in Rome, the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Rome with financial aid for Paul. Epaphroditus later returned to Philippi with a letter from Paul to the church. But why is this context important to our understanding of Philippians 4:13?
 
Paul shows his appreciation to the Philippians as expressed in verses 15-16, 18. But while their financial support was nonetheless appreciated, he sought to remind his fellow believers that financial well-being and one’s physical condition are not indicative of one’s spiritual health and well-being.

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. 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.Philippians 4:11-12 (AMPC)

Finding contentment in difficult circumstances is difficult for even the very strong believer. When times are tough and things aren’t going the way we plan, this is a fertile ground for frustration, despair, and discouragement to take root. It is against this background that the intent of Philippians 4:13 becomes clear.

What ‘things’ are in reference here? The specific ability to find contentment whatever the circumstance and Paul argues that this can only come from Christ who gives him strength. In this specific instance Paul looked to the spiritual provision of Jesus Christ to find strength, hope, joy, peace, and contentment in even his darkest situation. It is this power that transforms hearts and frees minds oppressed by the discouragement of present circumstances

This same truth is conveyed in his letters to the Corinthians,

2 Corinthians 1:4-10 (TPT)He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. And just as we experience the abundance of Christ’s own sufferings, even more of God’s comfort will cascade upon us through our union with Christ. If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will receive even more comfort to pass on to you for your deliverance! For the comfort pouring into us empowers us to bring comfort to you. And with this comfort upholding you, you can endure victoriously the same suffering that we experience. Now our hope for you is unshakable because we know that just as you share in our sufferings you will also share in God’s comforting strength. Brothers and sisters, you need to know about the severe trials we experienced while we were in western Turkey.  All of the hardships we passed through crushed us beyond our ability to endure, and we were so completely overwhelmed that we were about to give up entirely.  It felt like we had a death sentence written upon our hearts, and we still feel it to this day. It has taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place all of our trust in the God who raises the dead. He has rescued us from terrifying encounters with death. And now we fasten our hopes on him to continue to deliver us from death yet again,

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (TPT)—Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So, I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.  So I’m not defeated by my weakness but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power

Christians are not wrong to use Philippians 4:13 as a banner of God’s strength and power at work in their lives. It is true that from Jesus Christ flows the power to heal the sick, free the oppressed, move mountains (Matthew 17:20), break chains (Acts 12:7), and defeat death (Hebrews 2:14); yet this scripture most accurately and explicitly speaks to turning to Christ for contentment and joy in any situation. Paul was sharing his greatest secret to some of his closest associates, a secret that we all need to live by today.

In Christ alone is the true strength, the hope, joy, and peace that surpass all understanding and situations.

1 thoughts on “The Secret Of Joy, Peace, And Contentment in All Circumstances

  • Mary Okon

    Thank you sir

    Reply

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