Practicing Contentment
The message of “more equals happiness” is everywhere. It’s easy to see marketing that suggests that if your kids had one more toy, they’d be happier. Or if you just achieve one more goal, you’d be a happier person. The problem with this is, it’s not true. More of anything doesn’t necessarily mean you will be fulfilled or happier. That’s because we weren’t created to be fulfilled by possessions or achievements. Yes, having certain wish list items and crossing off goals is great! But it’s important to remember that those things don’t give us our identity and can’t fill us. That’s because we were created to be fulfilled by God. Philippians 4:12-13 says “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. CSB” But what does it mean to be content? And how do we practice contentment in our everyday lives? Here are some practical tips on practicing contentment in everyday life:
Work on trusting God’s Timing and Provision - The key to experiencing contentment is believing in God’s provision and timing. We can be content with our current circumstances when we believe that God will provide what we need, when we need it.
Make Contentment A Habit - This means we have to practice being content. Don’ be surprised when you find yourself feeling unmotivated to practice contentment. Our flesh doesn’t want to be content. Our flesh wants more of whatever makes us feel good. Creating a habit of contentment is something we do daily. As Christians, we die to our flesh daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). Another reason we have to practice contentment is because the message of “more equals happiness” is everywhere we look.
Seek the Holy Spirit - One of the best ways to practice contentment is when we feel ourselves wanting something, ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern if it’s wise to seek or not.
Pray for a Heart of Gratitude for What You Have - Ask God to help you become grateful for what you have. When we’re grateful for what we have, we switch our focus from the feeling of need and lack, to what God has blessed us with, right now.
Being content doesn’t mean we are okay with our current circumstances. Nor does it mean we shouldn’t hope for certain things or make goals. It means we can be at peace knowing that God’s timing is best and he will meet our needs.
