Let’s Start From The Very Beginning (Or Maybe Not)

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 3, 2024

Let’s start from the very beginning (Or maybe not)

Philippians 4:13

One of my favorite musicals is the 1965 version of “The Sound of Music,” starring Julie Andrews.

There are many memorable songs, like “I Am 16 Going on 17, Climb Every Mountain,” and “The Sound of Music.”

But my favorite song is one that many of us learned in our early school years. It was taught to us because the song teaches you the musical scale.

Let’s start at the very beginning
A very good place to start
When you read, you begin with – A – B – C
When you sing, you begin with Do – Re – Mi
Do – Re – Mi, Do – Re – Mi
The first three notes just happen to be
Do – Re – Mi, Do – Re – Mi
Do – Re – Mi – Fa – So – La – Ti…

Doe, a deer, a female deer
Ray, a drop of golden sun
Me, a name I call myself
Far, a long, long way to run
Sew, a needle pulling thread
La, a note to follow so
Tea, a drink with jam and bread
That will bring us back to ‘do’

Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do

(Do-Re-Mi lyrics © Williamson Music Company, Williamson Music)

********************The Point********************

Generally, when I begin a devotional or Bible study series, I do so at the beginning. So, If I were writing about the Gospel of Luke, I would start with chapter one.

But today, as we begin our study in the book of Philippians, I’ll begin with a passage from chapter four that is familiar to you. (Yes, after today, I will go back to the beginning of the Book of Philippians. As Julie Andrews sang, the beginning is a very good place to start.)

Philippians 4:13 says:

Yes, God many times gives us strength to overcome incredible odds. However, in this passage, Paul’s words are about being content. God gives us the strength to be content in any situation.

Let’s take a look at what Paul really means.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:11-13

Paul tells us that he has been on both sides of the fence. He has been in need and has had plenty. But most importantly, He (Paul) has learned to be content with whatever he has or whatever the situation might be.

We all have good times in our lives, and we all have bad times. There are times we are very ill, and other times we feel great. We may have a great, well-paying job only to lose it through no fault of our own.

In these times, go to the one who can and does give you strength. Jesus. Things may improve tomorrow, next week, or a year from now. But Paul says to be content in every situation. Our Savior, Jesus, will give us the strength we need to endure.

You and I can and will endure through Him who gives us strength.

Lord Jesus, please give us the strength to endure. We know that in our lives, we will have good times as well as bad. Help us to be content in any situation. Please sustain us through our struggles and guide us to do the right thing in the difficult ones.

Amen!