True Contentment
Expectations not being met, being let down by someone in your life, plans not working out the way we hoped…all these things typically lead to feeling discontent. Discontentment can arise very easily if we allow it. However, being discontent can be dangerous because it can lead us away from God and all that he has for us. It can trick us into thinking that if we are in control of the situation, we could have all that we ever wanted. When in reality, it takes us down a lot harder road.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” In today’s world, that’s kind of a crazy thought, right? Being content with having so little? What about the boyfriend, or the cool job, or the big house, or all the nice things? I hate to break it to you, but those things will never satisfy you completely. Having a relationship with the Lord is the only thing that will lead you to true contentment. He is the only thing that will always be constant in our lives and never let us down or never fade out. So run to him with everything you are and everything you have!
Here is the cold hard truth. Discontentment will always lead to feeling like a failure, always chasing after the next thing, never being satisfied, and constantly questioning your decisions. True contentment in God will always lead to freedom, peace that surpasses all understanding, and complete and full joy and satisfaction.
So, what are some ways we can find that contentment? I’ve written down 3 important things that help me in this area.
Surrendering control to God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Because our earthly minds are so small compared to the infinite wisdom of God, we can’t even begin to comprehend the plans he has for us. But we often get in the way of those plans because we are too stubborn and worried and won’t surrender fully to God. I get it, it’s not always easy to let go of the things you want. But I promise you, because I have experienced it, when you lay down what you thought was good, he will give you best.
Practicing gratitude and rejoicing in all that you already have.
When I’m walking through seasons of discontentment, I like to start my prayers with a list of things I’m grateful that the Lord has blessed me with. Maybe it’s something big like a new job or a door that he opened for a really great opportunity. Or maybe it’s really small like thanking him for the breath in my lungs and food on the table. When I start my prayers with gratitude, I am quickly reminded that the Lord gives us so many good things! And even if they seem small, they’re actually huge blessings to receive and sometimes we just need that quick shift in perspective.
Look to Jesus Christ as an example.
There is no greater example for us to look to than Jesus himself. Philippians 2:5-7 reminds us, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” The Son of God, the holiest human to ever live on this earth, made himself a servant and subjected himself to a life that we would all probably look at and say, “No, thanks. I’m good with what I have!” He was beaten, starved, and betrayed by his friends. His life was no easy feat. But he was CONTENT. He prayed, he clung to God’s Word, he forgave, and he worshiped the Lord through it all. Why? Because his view of content had nothing to do with materialistic things he could have owned. Glorifying God and leading others to eternal life with him was his greatest desire. And it should be ours, too.
Philippians 4:10-13 is so encouraging to me and really challenges me when I question my contentment. It says, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, 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.”
Let’s strive to be content not because of our emotions that day or what we own, but because of who God is, who he has made us to be, and the purpose he has set on our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that true contentment is found in you and you alone. We praise you because you are a constant rock in our everchanging lives. Regardless of if we have little or if we have much, you are all we need. Help us to cling to that truth today, God. May we set our eyes on you in all that we do! I pray that our greatest desire would be to worship and glorify you! We give you all the praise. In Jesus’ name! Amen!