If asked what we want most in life, contentment would likely be somewhere at 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. But many of us spend our lives in a state of being discontent! How can we cultivate contentment in our lives? Keep reading for some tips!
Why are we discontent?
Discontentment is desiring what you do not have, longing for it, and believing that you will be satisfied and happy if you 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.
How can we find true contentment?
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 actually 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.
Paul says it best in Philippians 4:11-13:
“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.”
How can you become more content with your life? Here are 5 things you can do.
- As it says above – Trust in the Lord!
- Focus on things above and not of this world. If you focus your mind on Him and others and get it off yourself, you are much more likely to experience peace and contentment.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2 - Live your life in the here and now. Try not to rest your happiness on the achievement of some future state – when you get married, have children, retire, etc. Try to appreciate your life and its blessings as it is today.
- Simplify your life. Get rid of things you don’t need, say no to things that don’t fit in with your priorities, and even give up relationships that tax your positivity and peace if you can.
- Make room for quiet. Pray, meditate, spend time in nature or just sit in solitude – whatever works for you. These practices help you become better connected with yourself and with God.
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.
