Closer through Contentment
by Ida Mundell
I can think of no faster way to distance myself from God than through an attitude of discontent. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of discontentment, always yearning for more—more recognition, more security, more possessions, all while turning a blind eye to the good gifts graciously provided by God right in front of me.
I believe discontentment is a symptom of entitlement: the belief that we deserve certain things or outcomes in life. Yet, in Philippians 4:11-13, Paul shares a profound secret: contentment is not about our circumstances; it’s about our connection to Christ.
“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 all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul, who wrote that letter while sitting in prison, learned to be content in every situation, whether in abundance or need, because he relied not on his circumstances, but on the truth of who God is.
Discontentment stems from entitlement and entitlement can lead to resentment. When we focus on what we think we deserve, we will completely miss the blessings already present in our lives. God is close.
He promises to provide. He has graced us with good, beautiful gifts if only we have eyes to see Him and a heart that trusts in Him.
David, in Psalm 23, reminds us to see the Lord as our shepherd. Like a shepherd lovingly cares for his sheep, God promises to care for and provide for us.
David strongly affirms his trust in God’s provision when he says, “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).
When was the last time your heart, mind, and soul were free enough from discontentment and entitlement to believe that you lack nothing? When were your eyes open to all of the big and small ways that God is providing for you, blessing you, and giving you good gifts?
If discontentment and entitlement distance us from God, a heart of contentment and gratitude draws us closer to Him.
Here are some practical ways to experience contentment:
1. Practice gratitude.
Right now, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, acknowledge three good gifts God has given you or three ways He has provided for you. If you do this every day, by the end of the year you will have logged 1,000 kindnesses of God. Wow!
On my list today: the cool breeze on my morning run, the laughter of my children, the best iced latte. No gift is too small!
2. Pray.
When you feel the weight of discontentment or entitlement setting in, remind yourself of Paul’s words in Philippians.
Pray and ask God to help you cultivate a heart of contentment and a greater trust in His provision as your good shepherd.
3. Live content in community.
Invite your Access Group or a close circle of friends on your journey to contentment. When it’s hard for us to see God at work in our lives, it helps to have a friend call out what they see.
Share your struggles and your victories concerning contentment and celebrate God’s gifts together.
Prayer
God, thank you for being my good shepherd and for providing for my every need. Thank you for gracing my life with an abundance of good gifts, too many to count! Help me to learn the secret of contentment, regardless of my circumstances. Draw me closer to you as I embrace contentment and gratitude. Amen.
