We close this month’s study in Philippians by exploring Paul’s amazing peace in jail, hoping to discover how we can find similar peace in our circumstances. We started by asking how we’ve felt when we’ve been in situations where we needed help and knew of someone who would love to help, but couldn’t. In one instance, God provided an unexpected event that allowed for help; in another circumstance, God provided a companion; in one other circumstance, the situation had to play out, with only the knowledge of each other’s love filling the gap.

Paul wrote that he was always content with his circumstances, whether good or bad (in this case - bad), but made a specific point to commend and thank his Philippian friends for their gift to him. We thought about some of our motivations for giving sacrificially of our time and/or money to others. Among our answers were love, enjoyment, improving society, encouraging and helping others and using our God-given talents. One good reminder was that Christ said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

But how do we find Paul’s peace? A small shift in perspective might be the answer. When we are in desperate circumstances, we might call out, “God! It’s just You and me. Please, HELP!” We come to the realization that nothing in this world lasts; our only hope is a God who is greater than this world. We need to shift our perspective to realize that our starting point of every day is “God! It’s just you and me. Thank you for everything and everyone around me.” In this way of thinking, we no longer cling to the things of life, but see them as leaves on a tree; they are here for a season, and then gone. Only God remains faithful and constant.

Paul closes his letter by telling the Philippians that God will “supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Often, this promise can be seen in material blessings that have a monetary value. But Paul is speaking of something greater. He is speaking of a spiritual currency. God’s currency is harder to see, but more fulfilling to the soul. It is hope, when others have abandoned it; it is courage, when others are fleeing; it is peace, when circumstance are against us.