..."for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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." Phil. 4:11b-13.

The verse 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' is often used in a 'possibility' context, i.e. we can overcome all temptations through Christ...or we can achieve anything through Christ who strengthens us. This verse is not often used in its 'true' context - the 'contentment context'.

 The NIV Bible is one of the translations that makes the meaning of the verse clearer: - "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

In keeping with the last part of 2 Tim. 2: 15 which says we should correctly handle the word of truth, let's check the previous verse(s) to find out what this in Phil. 4:13 means:
The apostle Paul was talking about how he had learned to be content in whatever state / circumstance in which he found himself.
1. I know what is it to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty:
Paul acknowledges that this isn't as simple as it sounds, but he's been able to do this through Christ who gives him strength.

2. 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.
Paul testifies that this is only possible through Christ.

Humans are naturally selfish. A baby cries when her breast-milk is not available at the time she wants it. We always want more of one thing or the other, and sometimes even believe that the things we don't have currently are the exact things we need to make our lives sweeter and better.

Contentment is not listed as one of the spiritual gifts. It is not a skill attributed to some personalities. It is not a talent that readily comes to some individuals. CONTENTMENT IS TO BE LEARNED.

Whatever our circumstances may be today, may the Lord teach us to be content. Amen.