Verse: Philippians 1:21-26
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Devotion
Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the church members in Philippi, a church he started on one of his visits. In the first chapter he is letting them know that he is locked up, likely in house arrest in Rome. He did not know if he would ever be released or if, in fact, they would kill him.
With his freedoms taken away and uncertain about his future, he tells them that he is happy to continue to live and spread the gospel or to die and be with Jesus. He is fully content in his circumstances (which Paul states in Phil 4:11).
Are these verses speaking to you today? Are you feeling unhappy and discontented concerning your current circumstances? Do you feel like you are in house arrest? Are you a parent feeling tied down by family difficulties? Maybe you feel locked into an unfulfilling job. Or you might be reflecting on school during this break time thinking that you should quit because it is just too hard.
Paul was no stranger to being locked up. He had been in prison in Ephesus and in Caesarea. Where did his strength and contentment come from? Clearly it came from his relationship with Jesus. In Phil 4:13, Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” He believed that, wherever he was, he could be a light to those around him. He would witness to his jailers! Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Hopefully you can find strength and contentment today in your circumstances by looking to Jesus. He loves you and wants the best for you. He wants to give you so much of his love that it overflows to those around you. He has a purpose for you today and every day. Pray to him today about your circumstances. Seek advice from wise Christians. He will give you comfort and strength if you are to remain for now and wisdom if things need to change.
Prayer
Jesus, you know my circumstances. I invite you into my life and ask for direction from you. Be with me and strengthen me so that I might be content in all things.
Author: Brad Dunn
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