“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 everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
If asked what we want most in life, contentment would likely be somewhere towards the top of the list for most of us. Contentment, or the state of being content, is about peaceful satisfaction. It involves appreciating what you have and where you are in life, rather than wishing things were different.
Discontentment is desiring what we do not have, longing for it, and believing that we will be satisfied and happy if we have it. I often fall into the trap of trying to do too much, be too much and have too much. I have spent a large portion of my life feeling discontent with myself and what I have, wishing I had more or different. I don’t know why this is. I’m blessed with a nice house, a wonderful family, good friends and everything that I need. Unfortunately, our world breeds discontent and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one impacted. We are bombarded with messages that make us think we need more possessions, a better job, the perfect marriage, extravagant vacations, and a whole host of other things to be happy.
True contentment isn’t something that we find in things, people or circumstances, it can only be found in Christ. The secret to contentment is really very simple and can be summed up in this phrase: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5) Contentment involves consciously recognizing and appreciating what God is doing no matter what the circumstances.
Here are some strategies that may help you to cultivate more contentment in your life.
Be Mindful
Many of us have a bad habit of being futuristic. This involves constantly allowing our mind to run off to the future and resting our happiness on the achievement of some future state. I feel, in a way, that I missed much of my children growing up by not living in the moment and always thinking about the next thing.
Contentment begins with the acceptance of life as it is in each moment, living in the here and now. Have you ever had the experience of driving somewhere and not even really remembering how you got there? Or eating an entire meal and not really tasting it? Mindfulness is noticing what you are doing, feeling and thinking at the time you are actually doing, feeling and thinking it. Mindfulness is often associated with Buddhism but, Christians can also practice mindfulness. Christian mindfulness involves paying attention to God and focusing on His kingdom. It can be helpful in letting go of the need to change things. It can also help us to be more content with the life that God has given us.
Simplify Your Life
Do you ever wish for a quieter, simpler time? Like Little House on the Prairie? No cell phones, no checking email at night, no being a taxi service for the kids, less drama. Of course, lack of electricity might be a problem… And pretty sure I would have to cook and sew. Yikes! Simplifying our lives can help us to become more content. Minimalism is a concept that is all about focusing on what matters most and encourages removing that which gets in the way. It is often thought of as pairing down material possessions. Although that’s part of it, our schedules and our minds need just as much decluttering. I know my mind could be on an episode of “Hoarders”. Simplifying our lives could involve giving up things that we don’t need, saying no to things that don’t fit in with our priorities, and even giving up relationships that tax our positivity and peacefulness.
Make Room for Quiet
Making room for quiet is another strategy that can help facilitate peace and contentment. Pray, meditate, spent time in nature or just sit quietly – whatever works for you. These practices help you become better connected with yourself and with God. Try to give up control and release yourself to thoughts and emotions that can heal and strengthen you and produce feelings of peace and contentment.
Jesus described the kind of experience he wants us to have in our lives:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear . . . For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:22, 30-31
REFLECT
When have you felt most content in your life? What stage of life were you in? What were you doing?
Think about how you get more of that and what changes you can make to experience more contentment in your life.
