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Today, we finish up Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.

Philippians 4

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!

5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Content. As I thought about this passage today, the one word that stuck out was “content”; and no, I don’t believe Paul was referring to a naive or insincere optimism. I think Paul was suggesting a deeper sense of peace and contentment that can survive any season of life. Remember, he was writing these words from prison awaiting trial for being a Jesus follower (also check out 2 Corinthians 11:24-27). In fact, Paul has been revealing key thoughts, throughout the letter, that will help you learn how to experience/express it. Here’s a challenge ... this weekend, reread the letter in one sitting and look for those thoughts.

I will be out of town tomorrow; but will be back on Monday.

Have a great weekend.