WEEK 4: LETTING GO… OF OUR PLANS & FINDING CONTENTMENT
Philippians 4:10-13
READ Each week as we read through the book of Philippians we will read a different translation. This week we will be reading the New International Version (NIV). You can find different translations through the YouVersion Bible App (www.bible.com). Day 1 - Read Chapter 1 Day 2 - Read Chapter 2 Day 3 - Read Chapter 3 Day 4 - Read Chapter 4 Day 5 - Watch this video from The Ten Minute Bible Hour on Phil. 4:13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmp79tZzlHA&feature=emb_logo MEMORIZE This week we are memorizing a portion of Philippians 4:12: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” This week as you work on memorizing our scripture, write it down several times in your journal. Ponder the words. Speak it into existence. Turn the verse into your prayer.
REFLECT Last week we talked about allowing ourselves to grieve over the losses we have gone through during this season of our lives. Perhaps some of those losses have caused bitterness and disappointment to set in. Have you noticed this in your own life? How has this affected your relationship and your outlook on life?
Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians from prison. He has every reason to be disappointed and bitter. His plans for revisiting some of his friends are thwarted. His goal of spreading the gospel is postponed, if not canceled. Yet, he tells the Philippian church that he has learned the secret to being content in every circumstance. Paul does everything through Jesus, who gives him strength. This is not easy. It is a process. Paul gives us clues to this process in the verses preceding our verses this week. Go back and read Philippians 4:4-9. Rejoice in the Lord! Go ahead. Write down how you can rejoice in the Lord today.
Pray with thanksgiving. No matter your circumstances, offer your prayer to God, giving thanks. Whatever we put into our minds is what we get out. If we think about the negative, what comes out is the negative. But if we think about good things, over time good thoughts come out. Look at the list of things Paul tells us to think about in verse 8. Then, Paul says to put it into practice. So, go ahead. You’ve rejoiced. You’ve prayed with thanksgiving. Now, think on those things in Paul’s list. Keep this in your journal, and see if over time you experience God’s peace, and contentment regardless of the circumstances.
SPIRITUAL HABIT As you reflect on that last question, prepare to practice our spiritual habit that was introduced in the first week’s sermon. Instead of a video or audio guide, this week here is a written guide to use in your spiritual practice. https://www.contemplativespace.com/prayer/centering-palmsup-palms-down/