The Secret to Contentment

Webster's dictionary defines contented as feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation. 


Seems pretty easy I think! But in reality, after hearing Pastor John preach about this, it appears I was not very content with my life. I want this or I want that. I don't think a day goes by that I don't list off a few things that could make my life better: more clothes or shoes, new things for the house, losing weight, having kids, more money in the checking account, more time, the list could go on and on. 


Notice I said things...can these things really make my life complete? Why can't I be happy with exactly what God has chosen to bless me with? Society tells me I shouldn't be; I need a newer car, a nicer house, more clothes in my closet, more jewelry, and to go along with all that, more debt! So that sermon has led me to open my eyes everyday to a life that I can be content with. And every morning, I pray to my wonderful Father to help me be content with the life He picked out for me! 


I loved the 2 myths about discontentment! Discontentment is NOT fixed by possessions. Buying more stuff does not make me happy in the long run. I think in general, it turns out to be the opposite. I am happy for awhile, but then I need something else to make me happy again. 


I leave you with the top 10 ways to be content:


1. Trust God.


2. Jesus comes & stays. (He does not come and then leave us) 


3. Stuff isn't big enough to fill my soul. Nothing else but Jesus can satisfy me.


4. Money doesn't own me, I own my money. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matt 6:24


5. Learn the difference between NEEDS and WANTS


6. I will NEVER have all that I want, unless all that I want is Jesus!


7. God is faithful.


8. He watches over me.


9. Be thankful for what I have, don't think "the next one will...."


10. Learn to know Jesus. 


I love this verse that he gave: 1 Tim 6:7 "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." Kind of puts things in perspective huh?   




If I'm not content with what I have 2 things are possible.


1. I can wander from my faith. This is a huge deal! Being discontent can actually separate me from my God!


2. I can pierce myself with many sorrows, many disappointments.


So my goal for myself, and each of you, is be content with every day that God has given you. Be content if everything God has (or has not) given you. It's so easy to say this when times are good, when things are easy. When times are hard remember Paul in prison saying: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."