Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 4:10-23 (NIV)
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
What is Paul’s secret to contentment?
Lord today I bring to you my anxieties. I am stuck in my house, I can’t go where I want to go or do what I want to do. I am not even allowed to gather with family and friends. I can’t go to work, meats, bread, and essential supplies are basically stripped out of the stores, people are out of work all over, the financial markets have made me reconsider my future and there is a suspicion that anyone I see could be a potential carrier of the invisible enemy. How can I be content with all this going on? The Bible never promised that we will not face hard times or difficult situations, but it does promise Your strength and grace in these times. Paul learned that the secret of contentment in every situation was to trust that You would strengthen him to do whatever You were calling him to do. I look to how You have answered my needs in the past and I know that no matter what happens, You will give me the strength I need to handle any situation now and in the future. I am still richly blessed. Help me to concentrate on what I can do right now to support those who have it worse off than me with calls, tasks I can do or even financially. Help me to patronize local businesses to help keep their doors open and people working. Allow us as a community to stick together and grow in generosity toward each other. You promised that You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus as we live in a generous life. Thank You for the promise of your peace, which transcends all understanding. I am content in Your Strength. Amen.