By Pastor John Mateos Ong
The book of Philippians is called the book of joy. Do you know the difference between joy and happiness? Happiness is external. It comes form the word “happening” because it depends on what happens outside. Joy, on the other hand, comes from within; it is a kind of happiness that you cannot explain. While Philippine sis a book of joy, it was actually written while Paul’s was in prison. Without knowing the context of the book, you will think that is was written in a happy place. And that fact makes your perspective change.
Philippians 4:10-13 says, “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. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul is talking about his joy, which is not dependent on his circumstances. He has learned how to live with a lot and with nothing. He is happy with many and he is happy with none. The basic idea of what Paul is saying is when you have Christ, you already have everything; and everything else is just icing on the cake. Paul is also happy that there are people who care for him. And he knows that in days when nobody is there to help him, he knows that they do not have an opportunity. He always thinks of the positive side if things. He tells you to be thankful and give thanks in every situation.
Verses 14-20 says, “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.“ In the same chapter, he explains that he knows, in the past, the Philippians were always able to support him, even when his other supporters have faltered. He says that he is not writing this letter to ask for support again, but he simply wants to give thanks and tells them that they were used by God. He assures them, in verse 19, that God will supply all that they need. Everybody has needs and God will supply all of it in His way - in His timing and in His style. He may do it in very unusual ways but He will supply it. Sometimes, the blessing that God wants to give you is disguised as a problem. He is sometimes setting you up for a breakthrough.
God will supply all of your needs. In His way. Usually, when you do not remind yourself of this fact, you get fearful and anxious, worrying about things and doing things your own way and not God’s way. Just like when Saul sacrificed on his own and lost God’s anointing on him. It is so easy to be content when you have plenty. But it is not tested when you have a lot but when you don’t. Can you still trust that God will supply you with everything you need? When the time comes that things are depleting, that is when faith and trust comes in. When you are always in plenty, there is no space to exercise your faith. Contentment is not only in finance and material things. Contentment can also be in experiences, achievement, information and in your emotions.
How can you overcome the desires of your heart?
Escape the “more” trap. Matthew 6:19-21 says, ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When you get something that pleases you, you will always want more. And you will not know when it ends. What are you fixated in? If you have a “more,” right now, what are the things that you want more of. There is only one thing that we have to want more of and that is Jesus. Anything else is from your flesh. Discontent says I want more; entitlement says I deserve this.
How do you get out of this “more” trap?
Get to the root cause of wanting. ex: validation and comfort from material things vs. looking to God for validation
Be patient in getting. Do not be impulsive. Wait for God’s best in everything.
Know the consequences in desiring. If you want more of something now, it will lead to your stress. The “more” has consequences. God will give it to you if it is in His will.
Break the cycle. Let go immediately.
Comparison is the greatest killer of contentment. Focus on your own race. god will give you everything yo need in His way.
Discover your true needs. Genesis 25:29-34 says, “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.” Esau gave up his birthright just for a bowl of soup. It was what he needed at the moment. God knows you more than you do. He knows your needs more than you do. Inquire of Him.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 also says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This is a tip from Paul. If you find it difficult to distinguish what your true and temporary needs are: the things you can see are temporary; those that you cannot see are eternal.
Trust God’s plan. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” If you trust in God’s will, then your plans are always subject to change. Because of God’s love, we can trust His plan. His plans are always greater than ours.
Trusting God is important. When it is lost, you take the steering wheel back and that is when all things break lose.
Identify your true desires.
Practice true gratitude. (Psalm 118:24)
Trust in God’s plan. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Align your actions with faith. (James 2:17)
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