What is your secret to being happy?Philippians 4: 11-13
The apostle Paul was born into wealth and privilege. As an adult, he was a Jewish religious leader who wielded power that demanded respect. When Paul chose to follow Jesus, he experienced a new set of circumstances, hunger, poverty, persecution, and imprisonment. When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi about learning how to find contentment, his firsthand experience made him reliable.
One reason Paul shared this life lesson was to dispute Stoic philosophy, which was very popular at the time. When Paul spoke about learning the secret, he was using the same term the Stoics used when initiating members into their cult.
Their secret to successful living was based on total self-sufficiency and a dispassionate acceptance of what life brought their way. Their "whatever" philosophy offered self-centered resignation. Paul's alternative was God-centered contentment.
Experiencing genuine joy and contentment when life is difficult is possible only when you lean God's strength instead of your own.
As you get closer to God, you see things more from his point of view. Your gratitude grows as you become more aware of the blessings he brings your way everyday. And when things are going well, you don't worry about what would happen if you lost it all. You know that no matter what happens, you've found the secret to living a contented life. Being afraid of what misfortune the future may hold can keep you stuck in the darkness of depression or anxiety.
Selah people' and friends deepen your own sense of contentment by spending a few moments right now thanking God for the material, emotional, physical, and spiritual blessings he has brought your way over the last week.
"Peace be with you as you find satisfaction in knowing that you can do all things through Christ."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)
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