This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. October’s focus is Prayers of Surrender: yielding our will to God’s will.

Read: Philippians 4:11–13 | Listen: Philippians 4

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. Philippians 4:12

Paul writes a passionate letter to fellow believers in Philippi while chained in prison. He knows these believers personally. He started the church there during his second missionary journey, about a decade earlier (Acts 16). His letter of joy calls them to fix their hearts on Jesus and follow Jesus’s example of self-giving love. Paul also points to his own experience of finding supernatural joy and contentment in Jesus, whatever his circumstances. He knows both prosperity and poverty. Yet through both, he learned that Jesus is enough. This truth grounds his heart and steadies his joy in the best and worst of times.

We often tie our satisfaction in life directly to our circumstances. If life goes well, we are well. If life is rocky, so are our faith and joy. But Paul’s example points to a more joyful and stable way to live. Rather than anchoring our joy to turbulent circumstances, we can pray and ask for supernatural contentment in Jesus. Knowing him is abundant life, whether we have earthly riches or not. This is the secret to lasting contentment: Jesus is enough.

TODAY: Thank God for the gift of Jesus. As you praise him, ask him for strength to resist the lie that life comes from anything else. Then, as you go through your day, pray this simple, life-changing truth: Thank you that Jesus is enough.