Read: Philippians 4:10-20
I have learned to be content with whatever I have. (v. 11 NRSV)
If only . . . Do you ever find yourself thinking these two words? If only my child would behave, I’d be less stressed. If only I could get a raise, I’d enjoy my job more. If only I had more time, I could get everything done. One of the striking things about Paul’s letter to the Philippians is that the words if only don’t appear anywhere. Instead, Paul uses a different word: whether.
“Whether I live or I die . . .” (see 1:20). “Whether I am present or absent . . .” (see 1:27). “Whether I’m well-fed or go hungry . . .” (see 4:12). “Whether I have plenty or am in need . . .” (see 4:12). Paul’s joy is not dependent on the whether. He’s found the secret to being content no matter his circumstances. What’s the secret? “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (4:13 MSG).
That’s Paul’s secret to being content in any circumstance: union with Jesus. Paul knows he belongs to Jesus no matter what. And only Christ ultimately satisfies the deepest longings of his heart. “You have made us for yourself, O God,” Augustine of Hippo famously wrote in his Confessions, “And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
Sabbath teaches us to rest our hearts in Christ alone, the true source of our joy and the secret to being content. How is Jesus inviting you today to rejoice in his presence and rest your heart in him?
As you pray, try using the word whether as you bring your concerns before God.
About the Author
Brian Keepers has been an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America for 23 years. He is currently serving as the lead pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Brian is married to Tammy, and they have two daughters and a granddaughter.
