Contentment is not some default state of mind. It is something we learn. Something we acquire through the discipline of fixing our eyes on our God and His unique blessings and guidance in our life.
“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.” Philippians 4:12
Wired and weary
Our present wired, weary, and overly-self conscious world makes attaining contentment a steep challenge. To have contentment, we need to train ourselves to choose to focus on Jesus and not on the lives of other people. It will come when we eliminate the need to constantly watch how others live their lives.
If we constantly direct our attention on what others do and achieve. Endlessly scroll through where they spend their time, and whom they spend it with, we will start to unconsciously compare our lives with theirs. We might even start an unhealthy one-way competition with them. As this happens, we might not only fuel discontent, we could even usher in anxiety or depression in our lives.
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8
Shift the focus
If we fix our gaze on Jesus, what He has done for us, and what He asks us to do in this specific season in our lives, we will be content. It does not matter what our current situation is, and Paul the Apostle’s life is a testament to this.
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
The lens of gratefulness
When we look at our lives with gratitude, when we remember the Lord’s past help, then we can live thankful, peaceful, fulfilling and fruitful lives God has meant for us to live. And as we live such lives, we get to inspire others that they too can live a grateful and meaningful existence with Jesus!
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:6
Thank you for reading our devotional today. Kindly read 1Timothy 6:6-12 for a deeper dive into our topic.
Reflection Question: Do you feel content with your life right now? How can totally shifting your focus on Jesus change the way you feel about your existence?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you that in you we can find real contentment. Thank you that when you pour your grace on us, and we choose to focus on how you uniquely love each of us, we can live lives free from discontent. Amen.