October 30, 2025 • 16 mins
Find the full episode here >>> LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog
What if joy could bloom in the quiet places of your life? We explore Philippians as a map to joy, humility, peace, and contentment, pairing Scripture with simple practices that slow the mind and open the heart to God’s nearness.
From prison-born praise to a thought life that guards peace, we offer grounded steps to live this letter every day. Together we practice a livable rhythm—short prayers, simple breathwork, and small sensory cues that help the soul slow down and listen. You’ll hear how humility becomes a fragrance people can feel, why being “poured out” is not losing but belonging, and how to trade résumé religion for a daily relationship that lightens your steps. Thought life becomes the turning point—welcoming calm and clarity.
We close with Paul’s rare treasure: contentment in every circumstance. Not complacency, but confidence in God’s care. From reconciling relationships to generous giving that rises like a fragrant offering, Philippians sketches a way of life that smells like grace—steady, bright, and deeply human. If you’re longing for a devotional rhythm that fits a real schedule and a busy mind, you’ll find practical guidance to breathe, reset, and return to Jesus throughout the day.
If this episode lifts your heart, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find biblical encouragement. Join our Facebook community for Christ-centered wellness conversations and monthly freebies at DevotionDrops.com, and explore the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour to craft a peaceful, personal plan with God.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Christian Coaching > PaulaBehrens.com/coaching
Become an Insider > bit.ly/insiderfamily
Community Freebies >>> DevotionDrops.com
Essential Oil Favorites > WhyEssentialOils.com
Printable Bible Study for Women >>> PaulaBehrens.com/members
Christian Resources >>> FaithBuildingClub.com
Get a copy > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula Behrens (00:00):
Have you ever caught an aroma that instantly
brought peace to your heart?
Maybe it was lavender driftingfrom a diffuser as you opened
your Bible, or frankincenserising gently as you prayed.
There's something sacred aboutthe way God wired our sense of
smell, isn't there?
It can awaken us, it can sootheus, and even anchor us in his
(00:20):
presence.
Today we're diving into one ofthe most joy-filled books of the
Bible, Philippians.
And as we journey through thisletter from Paul, we'll also
explore how a simple fragrance,like a drop of essential oil or
a whisper of aroma, can remindus that God is near.
Okay, stick with me until theend because I'll be telling you
(00:40):
about our private Facebookgroup, a cozy online space for
Christians who love biblicalencouragement and faith-centered
conversations about spiritualwellness.
And also, there's a freebie youcan grab each month.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
(01:02):
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
(01:24):
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
(01:44):
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
You want to grow closer to God,but let's be honest, your days
are full, your mind is busy, andyour devotional routine feels
(02:07):
more like a struggle than asanctuary.
That's exactly why I createdthe Aroma of Christ Coaching
Hour.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful, and personal.
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
(02:28):
You won't leave empty-handedeither.
Before our coaching call,you'll receive an essential oil
sampler to use during our onlinesession to enhance this fun
spiritual journey.
You'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, including aprintable devotional planning
guide to help you stayconsistent, a beautiful gospel
reading plan that walks youthrough the life of Jesus, a
(02:48):
downloadable prayer journal toreflect, process, and pray
intentionally, and practicalguidance on how to use essential
oils to quiet your mind andinvite peace into your spiritual
practices.
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
So let's make your devotionallife easy, meaningful, and
(03:09):
refreshingly Christ-centered.
It's time to simplify yourspiritual life so you can savor
it again.
Book your Aroma of Christcoaching hour today at
PaulaBehrens.com/coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com/coaching (no spaces).
(03:30):
Look for a link in the shownotes.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, cozy up to your
favorite beverage, and let'sdive in.
The book of Philippians isn'twritten from a mountaintop.
It's written from a prisoncell.
Picture this.
Paul under house arrest inRome, chained to a Roman guard,
(03:51):
his freedom is gone, his futureis uncertain, and yet he's
overflowing with joy.
That's not natural joy, it issupernatural, the kind that
rises from deep within the soulbecause Christ is the anchor.
Paul writes, I thank my Godevery time I remember you.
Can't you almost hear the smilein his voice?
(04:14):
Paul's heart is filled withgratitude for the Philippians,
the first church he planted inbiblical times.
These were his spiritualchildren, his partners in
spreading the gospel.
And then comes a promise thathas comforted generations of
believers.
He who begin a good work in youwill carry it on to completion
(04:35):
until the day of Christ Jesus.
When I read that verse, Isometimes take a deep inhale of
something grounding like cedarwood or myrrh essential oil, and
let it settle into my spirit.
It's a way of saying, Lord, Itrust you to finish what you've
started in me.
Paul's circumstances didn'tdictate his joy because his
(04:58):
focus wasn't on what he lacked,it was on who he belonged to.
He even writes, What hashappened to me has actually
served to advance the gospel.
Can you imagine saying thatwhile in chains?
Paul did.
He saw his hardship as holyground, his guards as his
(05:18):
congregation, and his painbecame his pulpit.
When I think about that, Ipicture diffusing a bright,
hopeful scent like citrus orpeppermint, something that wakes
up the senses and says, God isstill working here.
God can bring joy out ofconfinement, peace out of
pressure, and beauty out ofbroken places.
(05:39):
Paul writes, For to me to liveis Christ and to die is gained.
It's one of those verses thatmakes you pause and whisper,
Wow.
That kind of focus is freeing.
It's like clearing a mentalclutter, the same way you might
clear the air with a refreshingscent of eucalyptus or lemon.
(05:59):
Paul closes the first chapterby encouraging the Philippians
to stand firm in one spirit,striving together as one for the
faith of the gospel.
That's the kind of unity weneed in our homes, our churches,
and our communities, heartsaligned under one name, Jesus.
If chapter one shows us joy inhardship, chapter two shows us
(06:22):
the fragrance of humility.
Paul says, Do nothing out ofselfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humilityconsider others better than
yourselves.
Now, humility doesn't alwayscome naturally.
It's something we practice.
Then Paul gives us one of themost stunning pictures of Jesus'
humility in all of Scripture.
(06:43):
He writes, Though he was in theform of God, he did not
consider equality with Godsomething to be grasped, but
made himself nothing, taking theform of a servant and becoming
obedient to death, even death ona cross.
And because of that obedience,God exalted him to the highest
place.
That's the beautiful paradox ofPhilippians.
(07:05):
The way up is down, and thepath to glory runs through
humility.
When we choose to serve others,to love quietly and faithfully,
we reflect the aroma of ChristHimself.
Paul says, Do everythingwithout complaining or arguing,
then you will shine like starsin the sky.
(07:26):
Isn't that a lovely image?
Even small acts of grace, likea kind word, a gentle response,
or a moment of patience, cancarry the fragrance of Jesus to
those who need it most.
Paul goes on to describe hisown life as a drink offering
poured out for the sake ofothers.
He rejoices even in hissacrifice.
(07:49):
That word poured out alwaysreminds me of the aromatic oils
found in the Bible, somethingprecious and purposeful.
When we anoint someone or evenuse an oil in prayer, we're
symbolizing surrender andconsecration.
We're saying, Lord, my lifebelongs to you.
(08:10):
Pour me out for your glory.
Imagine how differently ourdays might look if we approach
them that way, choosing to pourout love, grace, and
forgiveness, even when it costssomething.
In chapter three, Paul turnspersonal.
He looks back at his religiouscredentials, his status,
(08:33):
achievements, and heritage, andhe basically says, None of it
compares to knowing Jesus.
Paul realized that real joycomes not from accomplishment,
but from relationship.
Sometimes we hold on to oldpatterns, right?, like guilt or
striving, thinking they'll bringus closer to God.
(08:54):
But Philippians reminds us thatintimacy with Christ begins
where self-reliance ends.
When we let go of the weightwe're carrying, our regrets, our
anxieties, our need to be incontrol, we make room for the
Holy Spirit to move more freelywithin us.
(09:16):
Paul's words invite us to runthe race, eyes fixed on Jesus,
hearts lightened by grace.
He says, I press on toward thegoal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward inChrist Jesus.
There is such freedom in that.
It's not about perfection, it'sabout direction.
(09:38):
You may not have it all figuredout yet, and that's okay.
Paul says just keep pressingon, keep moving forward, keep
breathing in his truth and hispeace.
Then we arrive at chapter four,the heart of Christian peace and
contentment.
Paul begins by encouraging twowomen in the church, Euodia
(10:01):
and Syntyche, to reconcile.
He's teaching us that unitymatters to God and that disunity
steals joy.
He's teaching us thatforgiveness restores it.
And then he says, Rejoice inthe Lord always.
I will say it again, rejoice.
You can almost hear himclapping his hands for emphasis.
(10:22):
And right after that comes thisgentle reminder, let your
gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near, he's hereright now.
Then Paul gives us his famousantidote to anxiety, saying, Do
not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and
(10:44):
petition with thanksgiving,present your request to God, and
the peace of God, whichtranscends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and yourminds in Christ Jesus.
When I'm feeling anxious, I'llsometimes pair my prayer time
with maybe something like Romanchamomile or cedar wood.
Not because the scent itself ismagical, but because it reminds
(11:06):
me to breathe deeper, to slowdown, and to bring every thought
captive to Christ.
Paul continues, whatever istrue, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever ispure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable, thinkabout such things.
Our thought life determines ourpeace level.
What we meditate on shapes ourmood, our choices, even our
(11:30):
faith posture.
You might think of it likethis.
Just as an oil blend can shiftthe atmosphere of a room, our
thoughts can shift theatmosphere of our hearts.
When we dwell on what is good,lovely, and praiseworthy, we
fill our inner space with light.
So maybe as you're diffusingsomething gentle like lavender
(11:53):
or spearmint, you let that versebecome your focus.
You ask God, Lord, renew mymind.
Replace my worries with yourtruth.
Fill this space inside andaround me with your peace.
Then Paul in chapter 4, verses11 through 13 reveals a secret
(12:15):
most people spend their wholelives chasing, contentment.
He writes, I have learned to becontent, whatever the
circumstances.
Contentment doesn't meancomplacency, it means confidence
in God's care.
It's that deep inner knowingthat says, even here, when the
(12:36):
plans fall apart, Christ isenough.
You can almost sense Paulwriting those words with a calm
smile, maybe gazing out hissmall window in Rome, breathing
in the quiet assurance that heis held by God.
And that's what I want for youtoo.
When you sit with God, Bibleopen, diffuser humming softly,
(13:00):
heart surrendered, you'recreating space for the same
peace that carried Paul throughhis prison days.
It's the peace that whispers,You are not alone, I'm right
here with you.
Paul ends his letter by thankingthe Philippians for their
(13:21):
generosity, and he wanted themto know how deeply he
appreciated them.
He wrote, I am amply suppliednow that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts yousent.
They are a fragrant offering,an acceptable sacrifice pleasing
to God.
Paul uses sent languageintentionally.
(13:43):
Their giving, their love, theirfaith, it rose up to God like
the aroma of worship.
That's one of my favoriteimages in all of Philippians
because it ties everythingtogether: the joy, the humility,
the service, and the peace.
Every act of faith, everyprayer, every word of kindness
(14:04):
becomes a sweet aroma to God.
When you step back and look atPhilippians as a whole, you see
a rhythm of life that smells alot like the aroma of grace.
It's the rhythm of joy thatbubbles up in hardship.
It's the rhythm of humilitythat pours itself out in love.
It's the rhythm of peace thatquiets anxious hearts.
It's the rhythm of contentmentthat rests in Christ's
(14:27):
sufficiency.
And that's something you canlive every single day.
When you begin your morning witha deep breath, maybe with a
drop of citrus oil for energy orfrankincense for prayer, and
you whisper, Lord, help me liveon purpose in you today, you're
living Philippians.
When you choose to forgive, toserve, to let go of the past,
(14:48):
you're living Philippians.
When you exchange anxiety forprayer and gratitude, you're
living Philippians.
When your home carries not justthe aroma of essential oils,
but the fragrance of Christ'slove, you're living Philippians.
The world is desperate for thatkind of faith, one that smells
like peace, joy, and grace inmotion.
(15:09):
So go ahead and breathe it in.
Let the word of God settle overyou like a soft fragrance of
hope.
And remember, He who began agood work in you will carry it
to completion.
Okay, if today's show spoke toyour heart, and especially if
you love using essential oils aspart of your devotional or
(15:31):
prayer life, I'd love for you tojoin me and other faith-filled
listeners inside my Facebookcommunity.
It's a cozy little space wherewe talk about biblical
encouragement, Christ-centeredwellness, and using God's
creation, including essentialoils, to draw nearer to him.
And don't forget those monthlyfreebies.
You can find us by visitingdevotiondrops.com.
(15:55):
That's devotion dropsd-r-o-p-s .com (no spaces).
It's a place to breathe,belong, and believe together,
one drop of faith at a time.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
(16:17):
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaninginto Him and walking in
(16:39):
His wisdom.
See you next time.
Have you ever caught an aroma that instantly
brought peace to your heart?
Maybe it was lavender driftingfrom a diffuser as you opened
your Bible, or frankincenserising gently as you prayed.
There's something sacred aboutthe way God wired our sense of
smell, isn't there?
It can awaken us, it can sootheus, and even anchor us in his
(00:20):
presence.
Today we're diving into one ofthe most joy-filled books of the
Bible, Philippians.
And as we journey through thisletter from Paul, we'll also
explore how a simple fragrance,like a drop of essential oil or
a whisper of aroma, can remindus that God is near.
Okay, stick with me until theend because I'll be telling you
(00:40):
about our private Facebookgroup, a cozy online space for
Christians who love biblicalencouragement and faith-centered
conversations about spiritualwellness.
And also, there's a freebie youcan grab each month.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
(01:02):
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
(01:24):
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
(01:44):
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
You want to grow closer to God,but let's be honest, your days
are full, your mind is busy, andyour devotional routine feels
(02:07):
more like a struggle than asanctuary.
That's exactly why I createdthe Aroma of Christ Coaching
Hour.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful, and personal.
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
(02:28):
You won't leave empty-handedeither.
Before our coaching call,you'll receive an essential oil
sampler to use during our onlinesession to enhance this fun
spiritual journey.
You'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, including aprintable devotional planning
guide to help you stayconsistent, a beautiful gospel
reading plan that walks youthrough the life of Jesus, a
(02:48):
downloadable prayer journal toreflect, process, and pray
intentionally, and practicalguidance on how to use essential
oils to quiet your mind andinvite peace into your spiritual
practices.
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
So let's make your devotionallife easy, meaningful, and
(03:09):
refreshingly Christ-centered.
It's time to simplify yourspiritual life so you can savor
it again.
Book your Aroma of Christcoaching hour today at
PaulaBehrens.com/coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com/coaching (no spaces).
(03:30):
Look for a link in the shownotes.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, cozy up to your
favorite beverage, and let'sdive in.
The book of Philippians isn'twritten from a mountaintop.
It's written from a prisoncell.
Picture this.
Paul under house arrest inRome, chained to a Roman guard,
(03:51):
his freedom is gone, his futureis uncertain, and yet he's
overflowing with joy.
That's not natural joy, it issupernatural, the kind that
rises from deep within the soulbecause Christ is the anchor.
Paul writes, I thank my Godevery time I remember you.
Can't you almost hear the smilein his voice?
(04:14):
Paul's heart is filled withgratitude for the Philippians,
the first church he planted inbiblical times.
These were his spiritualchildren, his partners in
spreading the gospel.
And then comes a promise thathas comforted generations of
believers.
He who begin a good work in youwill carry it on to completion
(04:35):
until the day of Christ Jesus.
When I read that verse, Isometimes take a deep inhale of
something grounding like cedarwood or myrrh essential oil, and
let it settle into my spirit.
It's a way of saying, Lord, Itrust you to finish what you've
started in me.
Paul's circumstances didn'tdictate his joy because his
(04:58):
focus wasn't on what he lacked,it was on who he belonged to.
He even writes, What hashappened to me has actually
served to advance the gospel.
Can you imagine saying thatwhile in chains?
Paul did.
He saw his hardship as holyground, his guards as his
(05:18):
congregation, and his painbecame his pulpit.
When I think about that, Ipicture diffusing a bright,
hopeful scent like citrus orpeppermint, something that wakes
up the senses and says, God isstill working here.
God can bring joy out ofconfinement, peace out of
pressure, and beauty out ofbroken places.
(05:39):
Paul writes, For to me to liveis Christ and to die is gained.
It's one of those verses thatmakes you pause and whisper,
Wow.
That kind of focus is freeing.
It's like clearing a mentalclutter, the same way you might
clear the air with a refreshingscent of eucalyptus or lemon.
(05:59):
Paul closes the first chapterby encouraging the Philippians
to stand firm in one spirit,striving together as one for the
faith of the gospel.
That's the kind of unity weneed in our homes, our churches,
and our communities, heartsaligned under one name, Jesus.
If chapter one shows us joy inhardship, chapter two shows us
(06:22):
the fragrance of humility.
Paul says, Do nothing out ofselfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humilityconsider others better than
yourselves.
Now, humility doesn't alwayscome naturally.
It's something we practice.
Then Paul gives us one of themost stunning pictures of Jesus'
humility in all of Scripture.
(06:43):
He writes, Though he was in theform of God, he did not
consider equality with Godsomething to be grasped, but
made himself nothing, taking theform of a servant and becoming
obedient to death, even death ona cross.
And because of that obedience,God exalted him to the highest
place.
That's the beautiful paradox ofPhilippians.
(07:05):
The way up is down, and thepath to glory runs through
humility.
When we choose to serve others,to love quietly and faithfully,
we reflect the aroma of ChristHimself.
Paul says, Do everythingwithout complaining or arguing,
then you will shine like starsin the sky.
(07:26):
Isn't that a lovely image?
Even small acts of grace, likea kind word, a gentle response,
or a moment of patience, cancarry the fragrance of Jesus to
those who need it most.
Paul goes on to describe hisown life as a drink offering
poured out for the sake ofothers.
He rejoices even in hissacrifice.
(07:49):
That word poured out alwaysreminds me of the aromatic oils
found in the Bible, somethingprecious and purposeful.
When we anoint someone or evenuse an oil in prayer, we're
symbolizing surrender andconsecration.
We're saying, Lord, my lifebelongs to you.
(08:10):
Pour me out for your glory.
Imagine how differently ourdays might look if we approach
them that way, choosing to pourout love, grace, and
forgiveness, even when it costssomething.
In chapter three, Paul turnspersonal.
He looks back at his religiouscredentials, his status,
(08:33):
achievements, and heritage, andhe basically says, None of it
compares to knowing Jesus.
Paul realized that real joycomes not from accomplishment,
but from relationship.
Sometimes we hold on to oldpatterns, right?, like guilt or
striving, thinking they'll bringus closer to God.
(08:54):
But Philippians reminds us thatintimacy with Christ begins
where self-reliance ends.
When we let go of the weightwe're carrying, our regrets, our
anxieties, our need to be incontrol, we make room for the
Holy Spirit to move more freelywithin us.
(09:16):
Paul's words invite us to runthe race, eyes fixed on Jesus,
hearts lightened by grace.
He says, I press on toward thegoal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward inChrist Jesus.
There is such freedom in that.
It's not about perfection, it'sabout direction.
(09:38):
You may not have it all figuredout yet, and that's okay.
Paul says just keep pressingon, keep moving forward, keep
breathing in his truth and hispeace.
Then we arrive at chapter four,the heart of Christian peace and
contentment.
Paul begins by encouraging twowomen in the church, Euodia
(10:01):
and Syntyche, to reconcile.
He's teaching us that unitymatters to God and that disunity
steals joy.
He's teaching us thatforgiveness restores it.
And then he says, Rejoice inthe Lord always.
I will say it again, rejoice.
You can almost hear himclapping his hands for emphasis.
(10:22):
And right after that comes thisgentle reminder, let your
gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near, he's hereright now.
Then Paul gives us his famousantidote to anxiety, saying, Do
not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and
(10:44):
petition with thanksgiving,present your request to God, and
the peace of God, whichtranscends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and yourminds in Christ Jesus.
When I'm feeling anxious, I'llsometimes pair my prayer time
with maybe something like Romanchamomile or cedar wood.
Not because the scent itself ismagical, but because it reminds
(11:06):
me to breathe deeper, to slowdown, and to bring every thought
captive to Christ.
Paul continues, whatever istrue, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever ispure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable, thinkabout such things.
Our thought life determines ourpeace level.
What we meditate on shapes ourmood, our choices, even our
(11:30):
faith posture.
You might think of it likethis.
Just as an oil blend can shiftthe atmosphere of a room, our
thoughts can shift theatmosphere of our hearts.
When we dwell on what is good,lovely, and praiseworthy, we
fill our inner space with light.
So maybe as you're diffusingsomething gentle like lavender
(11:53):
or spearmint, you let that versebecome your focus.
You ask God, Lord, renew mymind.
Replace my worries with yourtruth.
Fill this space inside andaround me with your peace.
Then Paul in chapter 4, verses11 through 13 reveals a secret
(12:15):
most people spend their wholelives chasing, contentment.
He writes, I have learned to becontent, whatever the
circumstances.
Contentment doesn't meancomplacency, it means confidence
in God's care.
It's that deep inner knowingthat says, even here, when the
(12:36):
plans fall apart, Christ isenough.
You can almost sense Paulwriting those words with a calm
smile, maybe gazing out hissmall window in Rome, breathing
in the quiet assurance that heis held by God.
And that's what I want for youtoo.
When you sit with God, Bibleopen, diffuser humming softly,
(13:00):
heart surrendered, you'recreating space for the same
peace that carried Paul throughhis prison days.
It's the peace that whispers,You are not alone, I'm right
here with you.
Paul ends his letter by thankingthe Philippians for their
(13:21):
generosity, and he wanted themto know how deeply he
appreciated them.
He wrote, I am amply suppliednow that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts yousent.
They are a fragrant offering,an acceptable sacrifice pleasing
to God.
Paul uses sent languageintentionally.
(13:43):
Their giving, their love, theirfaith, it rose up to God like
the aroma of worship.
That's one of my favoriteimages in all of Philippians
because it ties everythingtogether: the joy, the humility,
the service, and the peace.
Every act of faith, everyprayer, every word of kindness
(14:04):
becomes a sweet aroma to God.
When you step back and look atPhilippians as a whole, you see
a rhythm of life that smells alot like the aroma of grace.
It's the rhythm of joy thatbubbles up in hardship.
It's the rhythm of humilitythat pours itself out in love.
It's the rhythm of peace thatquiets anxious hearts.
It's the rhythm of contentmentthat rests in Christ's
(14:27):
sufficiency.
And that's something you canlive every single day.
When you begin your morning witha deep breath, maybe with a
drop of citrus oil for energy orfrankincense for prayer, and
you whisper, Lord, help me liveon purpose in you today, you're
living Philippians.
When you choose to forgive, toserve, to let go of the past,
(14:48):
you're living Philippians.
When you exchange anxiety forprayer and gratitude, you're
living Philippians.
When your home carries not justthe aroma of essential oils,
but the fragrance of Christ'slove, you're living Philippians.
The world is desperate for thatkind of faith, one that smells
like peace, joy, and grace inmotion.
(15:09):
So go ahead and breathe it in.
Let the word of God settle overyou like a soft fragrance of
hope.
And remember, He who began agood work in you will carry it
to completion.
Okay, if today's show spoke toyour heart, and especially if
you love using essential oils aspart of your devotional or
(15:31):
prayer life, I'd love for you tojoin me and other faith-filled
listeners inside my Facebookcommunity.
It's a cozy little space wherewe talk about biblical
encouragement, Christ-centeredwellness, and using God's
creation, including essentialoils, to draw nearer to him.
And don't forget those monthlyfreebies.
You can find us by visitingdevotiondrops.com.
(15:55):
That's devotion dropsd-r-o-p-s .com (no spaces).
It's a place to breathe,belong, and believe together,
one drop of faith at a time.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
(16:17):
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaninginto Him and walking in
(16:39):
His wisdom.
See you next time.
Popular Podcasts
Spooky Podcasts from iHeartRadio
Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a brave bat, this collection of episodes from iHeartPodcasts will put you in the Halloween spirit. Binge stories, frights, and more that may keep you up at night!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.