In Philippians 4:4, the inspired apostle Paul exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, ‘Rejoice!’”
Paul wrote these words while facing imprisonment for his allegiance to Christ (Phil. 1:12-14). Such persecution was common for Paul (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-28).
Through his suffering, he continually rejoiced and urged others to do the same.
Philippians has a specific emphasis on joy. In this letter, Paul uses a form of the word joy about seventeen times. He also emphasizes peace, contentment, and gratitude through fiery trials.
Philippians 4:4-13 provides perhaps the fullest instruction concerning the source of joy, peace, and contentment.
The word “always” in verse 4 shows that the rejoicing commanded by the Holy Spirit through Paul is not contingent on earthly circumstances. The key to such rejoicing is the words, “in the Lord.” Those who receive and appreciate the blessings Christ provides have reason for joy that goes far deeper than anything the world offers.
Verse 7 speaks of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” This directly follows the command in verse 6: In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Once again, God is the key. Those who submit to His will and prayerfully trust Him to take care of what’s out of our control in ways He deems best have a peace that is far deeper than anything the world offers.
The inspired apostle goes on to list things we can think about in times of trial (and at all times). In verse 8, he exhorts, “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.”
Meditating on the beautiful truths and virtues promoted by the Lord is a strong help at all times, and in particular when tempted to be overcome with anxieties.
Verse 9 references the kind of lifestyle that leads to the “God of peace” being with us. Paul urges following his teachings, which come from God, and following his steps in ways he has submitted to the Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).
In verse 10, the apostle expresses joy in response to a gift the Philippians sent to him. In the next few verses, he shows that it’s not that he has to have the gift itself. Rather, he was thankful for the good fruit borne by the Philippians (cf. verse 17).
This leads to a note about contentment. Verses 11-12 say, “Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.”
The “secret” is revealed in verse 13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
This well-known verse applies specifically to learning contentment, but it is perhaps the theme of the entire passage. Where does strength to endure trials with joy, peace, and contentment come from? The answer is Jesus. He was Paul’s strength, and He can (and should) be our strength.
Following the Shepherd’s direction, trusting Him to take care of us, and appreciating what He provides is the source of strength that cannot be measured in (earthly) possessions, preeminence, or power.
To have the strength the apostle Paul describes, we must seek Christ.
As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
– Michael Hickox