Introduction: Are you content in your trials? Worries? Setbacks? Easier said than done, right? Do people pull you down? But how can we get to the “Place” where we can be satisfied no matter our external circumstances? The key to CONTENTMENT can be found in the great 4th chapter of Philippians.

1. Put people in the Hands of Jesus!

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Phil 4:2-3)

In every Church there will be “misunderstandings” but also “peacemakers.” Master the latter. Pray for all.

2. Put worries in the Hands of Jesus!

“6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6,7)

Bottom line: The CURE for CARE is PRAYER! Why worry when you can pray? Please do not reverse that! Why pray when you can worry? Which will you do today?

3. Put our thoughts in the Hands of Jesus!

“8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8)

The end result of this mindset is having the PEACE of God.

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

4. Put our uncontrollable Circumstances in the Hands of Jesus!

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil 4:11-12)

Learning to do without when facing hardships builds character. Character builds CONTENTMENT.

5. Put our Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Needs in the Hands of Jesus!

“13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me….. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:13-19)

Our Lord knows our needs even before we ask Him. But He desires that we tell Him. Much like a parent wants a relationship with his or her child, our Father is teaching us to trust Him. He is faithful!