I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how-to live-in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our perspective. In Romans, the apostle Paul challenges the church of Rome to think differently. He says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

The more that God has for you doesn’t necessarily mean that life will be easy. It doesn’t mean more money. It doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically get accepted to your dream university, or that your marriage will be restored overnight.  However, He promises to be with you at every moment in the journey (Hebrews 13:5. Psalm 139:7). He promises to give you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:4–7, John 14:12). He promises to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). 

Consider Paul’s words to the Philippians: “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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–14 NIV). This commonly quoted verse is actually more accurately phrased: “Through Christ, I have strength in all things.”

Paul wanted to convey a lesson to the Philippians that whether we have nothing to our name, or we have an embarrassment of riches, God’s grace alone is what satisfies and suffices. It is more than enough for us to experience joy, peace, and contentment. Even if we have nothing, we have everything because we have Christ! And because of this, because we have Him and He has us, we are able to endure or bear anything that has come—and will come—our way through the strength and peace Christ supernaturally provides.

The word strength (ischyō) means to face the “necessary resistance that brings what the Lord defines as success.” It’s a term that refers to the Lord strengthening us with all that is necessary for us to endure and achieve that for which He gives us faith. So, despite whatever is going on around you, you can still experience the abundant life, you can still walk in joy and have peace. To experience the life that God has for you, you just have to shift your perspective. 

“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” ― Stephen R. Covey