The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Proverbs 13:25
The reason the contented believer is able to eat to the satisfying of his soul is because he, like Paul, has learned to be content. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) That doesn’t mean that a contented believer gets everything he wants. It means he has learned that whatever he has, whether much or little, comes from the hand of God and according to God’s purpose.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12)
His soul is satisfied with what God gives him and in everything he gives thanks, even if it’s unexpected or not what he wanted. He understands that what God has given him is what God wants for him.
How can you and I endure under such circumstances? We do what Paul did. We recognize that “[We] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]. (Philippians 4:13)
Are you facing some difficult circumstances? Are you overwhelmed with what life has handed you? Remember that nothing comes into your life without passing through the hands of God first. Even our difficulties are controlled by Him. God expects us to rest in that truth and to trust him through these things and to be content, knowing that God has intended even our worst day to work to His glory and our benefit.
Grace in Waves 