Discontentment: Unhappiness caused by the failure of one’s hopes, desires, or expectations.
Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.
We all face discontentment in our lives. Things do not always go like we had planned. How do we handle this?
Proverbs 14:30 says “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” What is envy? Envy is desiring what God has not given to you. This is usually the top cause of discontentment.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 says “Rejoice evermore.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Another reason we become discontent is because we have a lack of gratitude for the things we do have.
And of course, falling into the comparison trap. I believe this comes because we forget where our possessions come from. We let our focus get shifted from Jesus to the world. We compare our possessions, children, and marriages. We begin to think our value comes from what the world says and thinks about us.
We can also become discontent when we refuse to accept God’s will for our lives. Saying no to God will leave us with no joy.
What does God say about this?
He wants us to be content. Contentment breeds joy, not the other way around.
Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Do you remember all that Paul went through? Imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, and more. Yet, he said he had learned to be content in any situation. When he and Silas were put in jail, they sang songs and praised God at midnight. How could this be? They were content, and therefore they had joy in the Lord. I don’t know about you, but I want to be a content Christian.
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This is a promise and a reason we can be content. God has promised to supply all our need. He’s not withholding anything from you! He is either faithful or He’s not. His Word says He is. You can trust Him!
We must realize that He is meeting our needs NOW. This is not just future. It is right now, constantly and consistently. God is a present God. He has already met and supplied so many needs. We have so much to be thankful for right now. Are we showing that we are grateful? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” You are either content in God right now, or you’re not content at all. It’s your choice.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 68:19 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”
Your contentment is either in everything, or it is in nothing at all.
We must learn that Jesus is all we need. Everything we have will either be lost, stolen, broken, rusted, or eaten. It is all temporal. Temporal things will not bring contentment. Why are we not content with Jesus? With His provision, His will, His word, or His timing? We either trust Him or we don’t. His Word is either true or it’s not. He is either good and faithful or He’s not. His timing is either perfect or it’s not. His will is either perfect or it’s not. His Word says He IS. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
Why is this not enough for us?
Get back to His Word, and be thankful for all He has given you. We must remember our value is found in Christ, all we have is from Him, we are entitled to nothing, and He is all we need.
With hope in His service
Heather
Proverbs_31Life 