As Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was not in the best of circumstances—he was under house arrest with a soldier chained to his arm; he was restricted and faced a trail and possible execution.

Yet, his response to these circumstances was amazing. A look at his outlook on life still challenges us today.

Last Sunday, we observed these five things about his response.

1. He talked to Jesus.
2. He talked about Jesus.
3. He refused to focus on what was “wrong.”
4. He looked for ways to serve God by serving others
5. He made a choice to rejoice.

So far this week we have looked at how prayer is always the first and best response to our circumstances. (Paul talked to Jesus). For the next two days, let’s consider the other elements of his response.

In the Old Testament we read:

“…Lean not onto your own understanding,
In all your ways acknowledge Him (seek to make Him known)…”
(Prov. 3:5-6)

Paul did that. He did not quit talking about Jesus when his circumstances were bad. He tried to acknowledge Him in all things!

What about us? When things don’t go our way, do we still talk about Jesus? Do we tell others of our confidence in Him…when things are not going our way?

Paul refused to focus on the things not going his way. Was it naivety? Was it ignorance? Was it a fear to face reality? No. He faced it alright—he wrote about his circumstances. He was in chains…and he mentioned it. People were trying to cause him trouble…and he mentioned it. But his response was clear—he did not focus on what was wrong. Instead, his focus was on the progress of the gospel.

The lesson is simple: we can glance at our circumstances but we must keep our focus on God.