True Contentment Is God

A man became envious of his friends because they had larger and more luxurious homes. So he listed his house with a real estate firm, planning to sell it and to purchase a more impressive home. Shortly afterward, as he was reading the classified section of the newspaper, he saw an ad for a house that seemed just right.

He promptly called the realtor and said, "A house described in today's paper is exactly what I'm looking for. I would like to go through it as soon as possible!" The agent asked him several questions about it and then replied, "But sir, that's your house your describing." -Source Unknown.

Being discontented is a universal problem. It really doesn't matter what your circumstance in life is either. You can be young or old, rich or poor, black or white, etc. Every human heart struggles with this at one time or another.

There was an article written a while back which basically said that from about 13 years of age to age 40, we find ourselves in a slow, downhill slide in terms of being content and happy. And, if you are fortunate to live long enough, 74 is the age where you have your best chance of being content. Not real encouraging news, is it?

But, getting back to the problem of our struggle with contentment; it has to do with our trust in God. You see, we aren't struggling with discontement because we're single, or because of our job, spouse, bank account, or whatever. We struggle first and foremost because we fail to trust God.

Discontentment is always lurking around close by; searching for an opening where it can creep into our lives. And somewhere deep down inside, you and I wrestle with trusting God and our belief that He is what's best, and always does what is best, for us. We strive constanly to not only trust, but to hope in Him. Therefore, it's because of this internal strife we find ourselves discontent in inumerable ways.

How then, does one find contentment? To begin with, contentment has to be nurtured. It doesn't just magically occur. Nor are you going to stumble across it one day. It's going to take a little bit of work on your part. It's got to be cultivated. You have to contend for it. Think for a minute, what it would mean for you to do this?

What would it mean for you to nurture and promote contentment? What would that look like? Who are the groups of people, or individuals that actually encourage you toward contentment?  What are the activities that help foster and nurture contentment in your life? Do them. Be a part of those activities.

What are the places and environments that help you nurture contentment? Get yourself there. What would it look like for you to position and set your heart and mind on ways and things that you know will nurture contentment in your life? Think about it, and then do it.

Conversely, think about those things fuel your discontment. What are you prone to? Is it movies, television programs, magazines, websites, music, etc., that throws fuel on the fire of discontentment that's already raging in your heart?  Maybe it's certain people who cause you to be discontent? Maybe they cause you to lean towards putting your hope in things other than God?

As I close this message, I would like for you to take stock at what the sources of discontenment in your life might be. Also, remember that contentment needs to be nurtured and cultivated, or it won't grow. Contentment grows from the inside-out, not the other way around. Your heart needs to be transformed, or it won't last very long.

Most importantly, the power and motivation which we need to fight for contentment only comes from our hearts embracing God and His Gospel. In addition, our hearts need to see God for the true, gratifying abundance that He is.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6

Prayer: Holy Father, whenever I begin to feel discontent, I pray that You will lift me up and remind of all that You have blessed me with; and guide me past the cold grip of discontenment towards the the comforting warmth of Your embrace. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Mindy