Money in the Word Episode 9: Philippians 4:12-13

In this video, we take a look at Philippians 4:12-13 with Chelsea Reynolds of Guide Financial Planning, and how it applies to us today.

Hi, I'm Chelsea Reynolds and I'm a part of the Guide Financial Planning team. Thanks so much for tuning in to another episode of Money in the Word. Today we're going to be taking a look at Philippians 4:12-13. It says, "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 everything through him who gives me strength."

This book was written by the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote this letter from prison to the Philippians thanking them for their gift and encouraging them in their faith. Paul shares that he had learned to be content no matter the circumstances, and found real joy as he focused all of his attention, energy and time on knowing Jesus and obeying him. He learned to be content by viewing life from God's point of view. This is one of the more popular bible verses that gets quoted frequently. What does it truly mean, though? And what does it actually look like to be content and be able to do all things through Christ? It means that as Believers, we can have deep contentment, joy and peace no matter what happens in this life. This is the result of knowing Jesus personally, and depending on his strength rather than our own.

It's important to remember that joy does not come from outward circumstances, but rather from inward strength that we receive from Christ. As followers of Christ, we must not rely on our possessions or experiences to give us joy, but on Christ within us. Like Paul, we should focus on what we are called to do, and not on what we feel we should have. We should be grateful for everything God has given us, while keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal. It's also important to remember that often times the desire to have more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in our lives. In reality, only Jesus can truly fill those desires and longings of our hearts.

In July of 2023, I faced one of the hardest trials I've been through in my life. In an instant, things were completely flipped upside down. I remember in the moment thinking, "This can't be real, I must be dreaming. Jesus, please let this be a dream." It was a nightmare, but unfortunately I was not asleep. This was not something I ever thought would happen to me, and was not a bridge I ever thought I'd have to cross. My first thought as I felt myself start to spiral was, "I need to go to the feet of Jesus, only he can get me through this one." In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I felt heartbroken and in shock. However, despite the heartbreak and pain, I learned during that time what it truly means to be strengthened by Jesus. In the midst of excruciating circumstances I learned to have joy. In the midst of confusion and pain, I learned to switch from asking "Why did this happen to me?" to "God how can you use this to strengthen me and share your goodness and light with others?" because he's still so good despite anything that we go through.

No matter what happens to us in this life, Jesus is worthy of our devotion and praise. He weeps with us and he longs to walk with us through it all. I'm so thankful that I didn't have to walk through that alone and that I had his strength to rely on. I'm so thankful that we can do anything and we can get through anything through Jesus who gives us strength. I've had many cool experiences, traveled to a lot of cool places and stood on many mountaintops, but not even the greatest of those comes close to being in the presence of Jesus. I can't wait for the day that I'm face-to-face with him and get to hug him and thank him for all the things he got me through in this life. For helping me to have contentment and joy, and to be strong when the world would tell me I should be crumbling and miserable.

As you go about your day and the coming weeks, think about the thing, or things, that you're drawn to when you feel empty inside or are going through a difficult time. How do you respond when things don't look like you thought they would? Or when you don't have all the things that you'd like? I hope this was a reminder to keep your gaze fixed on Jesus and to rely on him no matter what.

Let's pray. Heavenly father, thank you for this inspirational word from the Apostle Paul. Thank you for the example Paul's life was to us. I pray that right now you would show us areas in our lives that we're lacking contentment and trust in you and your plan. Help us to see the things we turn to when we're feeling empty, and forgive us for not turning to you. Thank you for your grace, and thank you that when we turn to you, you give us strength to get through any circumstance. I pray all of this in Jesus's name. Amen

Thank you so much for watching this episode. If you would like to receive more Money in the Word devotionals, you can subscribe to our channel. And if you enjoyed this devotional, feel free to share it with others and click the Like button so that we can reach more people with God's Word. Thanks so much and have a great day.