Imagine these two scenes. The first is of a mountain lake away from all the hustle and bustle. The motionless water acts like a mirror, reflecting the beauty and quiet of the moment. In the second scene, a bird calmly sits on her nest built in a small opening in a rock. Her nest is hidden by a raging waterfall with a storm approaching in the horizon. In both scenes, we find peace. God is present in both the still moments and the storms. Paul reminded the Philippians that peace was found in God’s presence regardless of the circumstances.

What picture comes to mind at the mention of contentment? We might picture a dog soaking in the sun while lying on green grass. Others might think of relaxing in a favorite recliner following a delicious meal. Still others might envision a healthy infant lying cozily in its mother’s arms or cuddled in its crib. Most of us have this picture of contentment, but we somehow rarely see ourselves in that picture. Paul challenged the Philippians to pursue contentment.

ESV passage Philippians 4:1-20