In the letter to the saints at Philippi, Paul spoke of his “bonds” in Christ (i.e., imprisonment) (Phil. 1:7,13,14,16). Yet, through this trial, he spoke of joy, peace, and contentment.
In fact, in the King James Version of the Bible, the words joy, rejoice, and rejoiced are used a combined seventeen times in the short letter to the Philippians. Paul realized that as an obedient Christian, he had great reason to rejoice. The fourth chapter of the letter notes the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (verse 7), and the contentment that must be “learned” (verse 11).
One key reason for Paul’s joy, peace, and contentment through trials was his “attitude of gratitude.”
He began the letter by expressing his thanks for the Philippians (Phil. 1:3-5). He was thankful for the preaching of the Gospel (Phil. 1:18). He was joyful to make sacrifices for others (Phil. 2:17). He had appreciation for Timothy (Phil. 2:22), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:29), and other “fellowlabourers” (Phil. 4:3).
He prayed to God with trust and gratitude, and encouraged the Philippians to do likewise (Phil. 4:6). He thanked the Philippians for their benevolence and generosity (Phil. 4:14-19). Just as Paul urged the Thessalonian saints to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), so he exemplified at a time his circumstances were bleak.
Paul’s example of gratitude is one for all to follow. While most grumble and murmur when life does not “go their way” (cf. Num. 14:1-4), Paul recognized that even in difficult circumstances, he had much to be thankful for.
His focus on spiritual things caused him to see his circumstances as full of opportunities for serving God and others.
Paul remembered that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The wages of such sin is eternal death (Rom. 6:23a). Eternal life is a gift of God (Rom. 6:23b), and those who receive it through obedience are blessed far better than we deserve (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10).
The circumstances through which we bring glory to the One who offers this gift may vary. Yet, no matter how bright or dreary things seem in this life, there are always opportunities to please God. This should make Christians thankful. Paul’s “attitude of gratitude” was in many ways key to his joy, contentment, and peace. May we strive to have this attitude also, following Paul’s example in an important way in which he followed Christ’s will (1 Cor. 11:1).
– Michael Hickox