Devotions based on week 11 of Joy in the Journey: Contentment (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Joy comes when someone cares.
Words are easy. Actions are meaningful.
Paul was in prison in Rome and was always encouraged when he had the support and aid of those around. Paul rejoiced, not in his release, not in better conditions, not even in the hope of freedom, but in the renewed concern and support of the Philippians. They had sent a gift through Epaphroditus, and Paul recognized it not simply as money or resources, but as a tangible expression of their love and partnership in the gospel.
Joy is not found in possessions, but in the relationships God provides within the body of Christ. Paul did not rejoice because his bank account was now secure. He rejoiced because the gift showed that he was not forgotten. Their love and concern were evidence of their ongoing fellowship in Christ.
Notice that Paul says, “Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” He acknowledges that their care was consistent, but their ability to express it had been limited. This distinction is important. Concern for others begins in the heart, and generosity flows out of that concern when God opens the door.
How essential it is to maintain a heart posture of readiness! Opportunities to serve, give, or encourage may not always be available. But when they come, the willingness of our hearts will determine whether we step into them with joy.
How many times have we thought of calling someone, writing a note, or giving a small gift—only to put it off until the opportunity slipped away? Paul’s joy was not simply that the Philippians remembered him; it was that they acted when the opportunity presented itself.
Every act of kindness, every gift, every expression of concern is a reflection of God’s provision. When someone cares for us, we should not only thank them, but also rejoice in the Lord who moved their heart. When we care for others, we become instruments of God’s love and a reminder of His faithfulness.
Unfortunately, we can be indifferent to the needs of others. We may say we care, but we do not act. We may have good intentions, but we fail to follow through. Our selfishness gets exposed.
Paul rejoices because the Gospel is at work in and through the Philippians. They just didn’t express a desire, they acted on the desire. The love and forgiveness of Christ shone through. In Christ, God has never forgotten us. His concern for us is not just a thought. It is action. He gave His Son to meet our deepest need, the forgiveness of sins. Jesus came, not just with words of love, but with the cross and empty tomb to prove that His concern is real and eternal. Because of His grace, we can overcome selfishness and be empowered to serve others with genuine love.
Application: Who in your life might be waiting for a reminder that they are not forgotten? Perhaps it’s a missionary, a family member walking through hardship, or a friend quietly battling loneliness. A small act of kindness like an email, a meal, or a handwritten note can become a channel of God’s love and a reason for them to rejoice in the Lord.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, thank You that Your concern for me is never just an idea but an active, saving love shown in Christ. Forgive me for the times I have ignored opportunities to care for others. Give me a heart that is always ready, and eyes to see the needs around me. May my concern for others reflect Your own love and bring joy to those I serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.