In this passage, Paul explains how he has experienced the full range of having nothing to having plenty. He identifies a secret, and shares it with his readers.

You can see this passage for yourself in Philippians 4:12-13:

Paul gives more details about the circumstances he shared in the previous couple of verses. He has learned two things. First, he knows what it feels like to be in need or to have plenty. And second, the secret of being content, no matter what the circumstances.

A brief survey of Paul’s life, found in 2 Corinthians 11, shows that Paul has experienced the full range of having nothing and having plenty. It is clear that he knows what he is talking about here.

One thing is well worth noting here: Paul’s sense of inner peace is very apparent. He almost seems as if none of this matters to him. And, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t.

Paul has learned something that few ever learn. He calls it a secret, a mystery that he has gained the key to. He has learned to be content in every circumstance.

This is something that few ever learn, and fewer still master, such as Paul did. In our culture, we do not understand how to be content very well. We always want something more, something new, something different. And we still think we “need” more. This is a very real struggle. We have learned to be very materialistic and we are never satisfied with what we have. We think we need more.

Paul says that he has learned the secret to this contentment. No matter what the circumstances, he is content. He is satisfied. He is joyful.

How does he do this? What is this secret?

Paul shares that with us in verse 13, giving us a very encouraging truth. And a truth that has been taken out of context countless times.

Paul’s secret to contentment in any circumstance is simply this: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Paul’s ability to choose joy, even in the most difficult of circumstances, comes from an inner strength, and one that is not his own. And Paul is very willing to pass on the credit. His strength to be content comes from Christ.

This passage is often misapplied, and used as a sort of “blank check” passage. However, this is not a universal statement, suggesting that anything I want to do in every area of my life is within reach. We must be careful here, because God’s power is that powerful, and it is limitless. But there are things that God will not do, and doesn’t do, even though he could.

One such example of this is the “thorn in the flesh” that Paul asked repeatedly to be removed (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). God apparently never took that thorn away from Paul, despite his power and ability to do so.

No, what Paul is speaking of here is wrapped up in the context of contentment. God’s strength gave Paul, and gives you and me, the power to be content in every circumstance. The only way this is possible is through God’s strength, and not on our own.

In this instance, I feel that the new NIV2011 gets it right: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

And that power, enabling each of us to be content no matter what, is available because of Christ’s strength at work within us.

Question: How do you practice being content? Does it come easier or harder to you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.