While in prison and facing the death penalty for speaking the Gospel of the resurrected Christ, Paul received support from the assembly in Philippi. After Paul left Macedonia, the Philippi assembly was the only one that continually sent aid to him. However, rather than asking for more, Paul’s response to their gift was that it was a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, and well pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18).
He did not seek additional gifts, release from prison, or healing for his wounds. Instead, he expressed gratitude for what he had received from the saints to provide relief during his suffering. Paul’s ability to be content stemmed from his trust that God would supply his needs according to His riches in glory through Jesus Christ. Paul is not referring to wealth; rather, in any situation, God is the one who gives us what we need to be content.
Indeed, My God will fulfill all your needs according to the riches of Him by a proper opinion in Christ Jesus—Philippians 4:19.
When we are in pain and suffering, contentment can be a difficult concept to grasp. Paul endured immense hardships: five times he received forty stripes minus one from the Jews, three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, and three times he was shipwrecked. He even spent a night and a day in the deep. Paul often faced dangers from robbers, treacherous waters, and even his own countrymen. Yet, while sitting in prison, Paul’s response to his needs was simply, “I have learned to be content in any situation.” Despite enduring immense hardships, Paul’s testimony demonstrates his unwavering contentment with whatever situation God allowed him to be placed in.
Let us allow God to work through our pain, knowing that our suffering cannot compare to the glory to come. When we are weak, He is strong. His grace is sufficient in all things. Today may bring more challenges and setbacks, or it may be a step forward from yesterday. Either way, I face a choice: I can allow depression to take hold, or I can follow Paul’s example by being content with what God has provided to sustain me in this situation.
Let us rest our minds, even if the pain in our bodies does not cease. Just as Paul rested in God’s sufficiency amidst suffering, so too can we set our minds on who we are in Christ, having an unruffled frame of mind—a peaceful mind.
What aspect of God’s desirous will can I fulfill today? Perhaps it is simply being thankful, knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me, for I belong to Him.
In everything give thanks, for this is the desirous will of God in Christ Jesus for you—1 Thessalonians 5:18.