The Joyful Letter: Paul's Epistle to the Philippians

"All people should praise God for the remarkable beauty and effectiveness of this priceless personal letter preserved through so many dangers and centuries to bless the saints of all ages." -- Burton Coffman

The apostle Paul says, contentment doesn't come to us naturally. He gives us the key when he writes, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11)."

We can conclude from this that contentment is a learned state. Unfortunately, we do have to learn from our experience. We desperately pursue what we think will satisfy us. Finding disappointment, we move from one thing to the next just as soon as we realize the satisfaction is but temporary. Sometimes, it requires we experience the thing we most fear in order to realize true joy.

Paul tells us the secret to true contentment in his Philippian epistle. He explains joy and contentment begins in prayer and supplication having an attitude of thanksgiving. Then later, he writes,

"I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13)."

Paul has given us a reality that society doesn't teach. As we lift up our needs and longings, we experience unexplainable peace shown in the depths of Christ's power, beauty, and grace.

Of course, we can find our faith by delving into the Word of God. There we find Jesus Christ and the revelation that He is God. The reality is that we find Christ with the Word. When we use the precepts and principles given to us by Scriptures, we gain an insight and grow spiritually. The author of Psalm 119 gives us the benefits of living by the precepts of God's Word. In the NLT, Psalm 119:1 succinctly says, "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD." Further, the author points out,

"Everything you need to know is in the Bible somewhere. It's up to you to find it!"

-- Howard D. Chaney

"If you want to be happy for a day, go golfing. If you want to be happy for a month, buy a car. If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, put your faith in Jesus Christ."

-- Coach Lou Holtz