Devotionals for November 17, 2023

See you at church on Sunday! Our service times are at 9:00am & 10:45am. 

READ

Philippians 4:10-13

10 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.

REFLECT

We end our devotionals with a critical truth: The secret to joy is contentment. This is important because belief in this fact will alter our attitudes towards work. If we believe that our happiness is bound up in the perfect job with the perfect salary we will never treat our present-day scenario as enough for us. We will be serially disappointed at life in such a way that robs us of the joy of contentment in Christ. Desiring good things is not sinful, but desiring good things as ultimate things is nothing other than sin. You may be working a job you do not like, or making less than you’d like, but God has given you strength to “be content” even in that place. Notice how Paul does not glamorize poverty either. You may land your dream job. But you will still need to be content, not in your job, status, or wealth, but in Christ “who strengthens you.” It is as if Paul is saying “God has given you all that you need, whether you feel it or not.” If we believe that we can be content in “whatever situation” we will embrace the hardships and annoyances of work with a restful spirit. We will be like Paul, in chains, but rejoicing still.

APPLY

Q: What is significant about Paul saying he can be content with little and with a lot?

Q: How can you draw on Christ’s strength for contentment in your current situation?

Q: How does the call to contentment impact our discipleship?

SING

PRAY

"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."

Thank you, Lord, for providing for our every need. Keep us from greed, haste, and worry. Amen.