“I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:12-13

An airline pilot was flying over the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee when he pointed out a lake to his copilot. “See that little lake?” he said. “When I was a kid I used to sit in a rowboat down there, fishing. Every time a plane would fly overhead, I’d look up and wish I were flying it. Now I look down and wish I was in a rowboat, fishing.”

Contentment in life can be quite elusive at times. Sometimes we allow our circumstances to dictate our contentment rather than the liberating perspective of Who owns the “process.”

Consider Paul’s perspective from a prison cell (awaiting possible execution for preaching the gospel), as he pens a letter of encouragement to fellow Christ-followers in Philippi. In the midst of his social isolation, dreary circumstances, and uncertain future, the apostle finds peace with the “process” and points to where real contentment can be found. Despite the circumstances surrounding Paul’s writing, “joy” is a major theme throughout this brief letter (Philippians 1:4, 1:18, 1:25, 2:2, 2:16, 2:17, 2:18, 2:28, 3:1, 3:3, 4:1).

In verse 10 he says, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)

Paul’s joy wasn’t based on mere sunny optimism as much as it was in the deep and abiding confidence that God was in sovereign control over all of his circumstances. This gave him reason to intentionally “rejoice” as seen in verse 4. Then Paul shows us how to find that same peace and contentment. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9 ESV)

This passage is all about perspective—on what we choose to focus. The word “guard” in verse 7 speaks of a military action. It’s a depiction of how the peace of God functions in us; the word picture suggests imagery of God’s peace serving the role of a sentinel as it defends the castle of our soul and the fortress of our mind. It’s obvious that to this first century prisoner of the faith, perspective played a huge role in his peace and contentment. Perspective is how we look at things while attitude can be a result of how we choose to think about those things.

What challenges, obstacles, or circumstances are beating at the wall of your soul today? What if your peace and contentment was found not so much in making changes to where you are but in recalibrating your perspective to the ONE Who is sovereign over all this drama? When we follow the admonition of God’s Word, we can find perfect peace with the process, though the process might involve hardships beyond our control. When God’s peace is our fortress, even prison walls become an orchestra of joy and praise. Bad news is translated into good news, anxiety gives way to rejoicing, and worries get swallowed up by worship. And the awesome truth is, we don’t have to change anything about our circumstances right now to experience every ounce of peace and contentment that God’s grace affords. It’s solely contingent upon our perspective.

What perspective will you have this week as you seek to abide in the “Lord of the process”?

PRAYER

God, no matter what circumstances I find myself in today, my soul will sing. I choose to rejoice in the ‘Lord’ of the process. Holy Spirit, thank you for the contentment and peace that is afforded me through your indwelling. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Questions for Reflection and/or Group Discussion

1. What is an overwhelming circumstance in your life right now?
2. What did Paul encourage his readers to do? (Philippians 4:4)
3. What virtue was to be seen in a believer’s life due to an awareness of Christ’s proximity? (v.5) What were the Philippians to do instead of worrying? (vv.6-7)
4. What are the qualities of wholesome thoughts? (v.8) How can believers enjoy the presence of the God of peace? (v.9)
5. What does it take for you to think thoughts “worthy of praise”? In what areas of your life do you need to follow Paul’s example?

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