Godly Contentment

Godly Contentment

Author: Cynthia Greene

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. ⁷ After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. ⁸ So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT)

Worldly vs Godly Contentment

In Genesis 3 we read that Satan lied and deceived Eve into thinking she could find contentment, peace, and success apart from God. This deception has continued as the world promotes gaining contentment through the pursuit of self-centered materialism, and focus on attitude of entitlement (i.e. “I deserve this”).  Gaining more riches, wealth, relationships, beauty, fame, and power have become signs of success and happiness.  But these things are only temporary and will vanish after we die. 

Christ said in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the world and lose his own soul?”  The contentment that comes from gaining material things only lasts a short time then you are left craving more. 

Godly contentment is an attitude of being satisfied with what God has given us. It means choosing attitudes, desires and thoughts that align with God’s word. We are to lay up our treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:21), not in the things of this world.

Contentment-Robbers

The stronghold of “never enough” or “I deserve this” can creep into our lives in a variety of ways such as through:

• Dissatisfaction
• Disappointment
• Unhappy
• Depression
• Negative Thoughts
• Comparison
• Fear, Worry, Doubt, and Unrealized Expectations
• Seeking our own desires
• Lack of Meaning and Purpose

When we are discontent in our lives we are really saying to God: “What you have given me is not enough, I want more.” 

Choosing Godly Contentment

The apostle Paul experienced many hardships in his life (i.e. health issues, prison, rejection) yet he wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances….” (Philippians 4:11).

Like Paul, you and I can choose contentment.   We do this by choosing Godly thoughts, attitudes, words and actions. Everything we think, say or do is a choice. 

“Today I have given you a choice between life and death, between blessings and curses….choose life, so that you and your descendants might live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Things we can do:

• Pray for Godly Contentment.
• Have a God-centered life.
• Find joy and thankfulness in what God has given you.
• Find peace in one’s circumstances.
• Choose an attitude of gratitude.
• Trust God for everything in your life.
• Let go of worry, doubt and fear.
• Turn away from the desires of external possessions, wealth, or circumstances.
• Renew your mind with God’s thoughts and promises.
• Look for the beauty and goodness around you.
• Stop complaining.
• Praise God in all things.
• Be Thankful.

Seeking an attitude of thankfulness for all God has provided will bring Godly Contentment and Peace. It will help us to live in the confidence that God will always be with us and provide for our needs.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19, NLT)

Related Articles

Choose an Attitude of Gratitude

How to Stop Negative Thoughts

Scriptures on Godly Contentment

• Hebrews 13:5
• Matthew 6:33
• Matthew 6:25-26
• Nehemiah 8:10
• Psalm 23:1

Song:  Goodness of God