Philippians 4:12 | Pastor Burns' Study Notes

Paul had experienced both extremes. He knew what it was to have much, and he knew what it was to have little. He had been full, and he had been hungry. He had abounded, and he had suffered need. Yet through it all, he had learned contentment in God’s providence.

God always met the need. Psalm 131:2 paints the picture of a quieted soul, like a weaned child. That is the picture here-Paul had learned to quiet his soul before God. He was detached from trying to find contentment in this world, and instead found his sufficiency in Christ.

Paul was not like a thermometer, merely reacting to the environment around him. He was like a thermostat. He did not let circumstances control him. Instead, he lived in steady confidence in God.