Learning Contentment

Learning to Be Content by Cynthia Greene

The apostle Paul suffered persecution, affliction, shipwreck, and imprisonment.  Yet, despite his circumstances, Scripture teaches us that Paul learned to be content. 

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…(Philippians 4:11, ESV)

This scripture reminds us that contentment does not come naturally to us.  It is something we learn through faith, dependence on God and aligning our thoughts to Godly perspectives.

Examples in the Bible

• Joseph endured many trials including being sold into slavery, imprisoned and was falsely accused.  He remained obedient and faithful to God saying,

 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). 

• Solomon acquired great wealth and materialism and learned that it did not bring contentment.

  “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless.. (Ecclesiastes 6:9, NLT)

• Silas, like Paul, was imprisoned and beaten, but he found joy and strength in His faith.  Scripture tells us he was singing praises to God while in prison.

 “…at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” (Acts 16:25).

• The Disciples were often worried and anxious but through Jesus’ teachings, they learned to trust God to provide and give them peace.  Jesus told them,

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.” (Luke 12:22)

• Peter struggled with fear and doubt–even denying Jesus. But he grew into a man of faith, later encouraging believers that trials refine us.

 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, “  (1 Peter 1:6-7)

These stories remind us that discontentment is common to all, however, through God contentment is possible. 

Cause of Discontentment

As Christians, we are to constantly be on guard and alert to the tactics of the enemy.  Scripture warns us:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). 

This verse uses imagery to depict Satan as a lion that is actively seeking to harm and destroy believers.  One way he does this is by stirring up discontentment in our hearts.

Root of Discontentment:

• Pride & Covetousness—Wanting more than what God has provided or desiring what others have. 
• Rebellion—Trusting in our own plans instead of submitting to God’s will, direction and timing.
• Unbelief—Doubting God’s promises and provision.
• Ingratitude—Focusing on what we don’t have instead of what we have already been given.
• Doubt, Worry, Fear—These emotions leave us  feeling anxious and concerned
• Feeling that your life is not meeting your anticipated expectations.
• Focusing on physical possessions and desires.

James wrote about this struggle:

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. ^[Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”  (James 4:1-3)

This scripture points out that the heart of discontentment leads us to be selfish, argumentative, fighting, conflicted, and frustrated.  We are warned not to pray with self-centered desires, because those prayers will not be answered. 

In contrast, Psalm 51;17 reminds us:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

How Do We Learn to be Content?

Contentment doesn’t just happen.  It must be learned and practiced. 

1. Focus on Kingdom of God

“But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

As Christians our priorities are to be focused on eternal things rather than based on the things of this world.  We need to keep our focus on the things of God—His will, His values, and His purpose.  Seeking God’s kingdom first helps us focus and prioritize the things God wants for us in our lives.  

• Practice Thankfulness

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Our perspective changes when we practice gratitude. 

• Trust in God

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. (Philippians 4:13).

Trusting God in all things brings us contentment as we recognize God’s goodness, faithfulness, providence in all aspects of our life. 

“Every good and perfect gift from God above…” (James 1:17)

• Ask God for His Peace

A lack of contentment creates distress, worry, fear, and anxiousness.  Instead pray for the Peace of God.

“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything, tell God you needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. .If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”. (Philippians 4:6-7, LB)

• Guard Our Minds

“Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

What we dwell on shapes our attitude.  Meditating on God’s truth strengthens contentment. Philippians 4:8 instructs on what we should be thinking about in order to align our thoughts on God’s Word.  Thinking on these things—true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy—guards our mind and from thoughts of fear, discontent, worry, and doubt.

Learning Contentment

“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.”  (Philippians 4:12)

Just like Paul and other men and women mentioned in the Bible, our Christian journey is one that will have difficulties, trials, and adversity.  It is in these times that we “learn to be content” (Philippians 4:11). 

‘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 12:10)

 Conclusion

It is only through the difficult circumstances that we grow in contentment and it takes practice to:

• Focus on God’s eternal kingdom
• Choose gratitude daily.
• Trust in God’s timing and provision.
• Pray for His Peace.
• Fill our minds with Godly thoughts.

God is refining us like gold, molding us like a potter, and shaping our character through every trial so that we reflect His image and grow in faith and maturity. 

“…godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Questions to Reflect On?

• Is my thinking aligned with Philippians 4:8?
• Am I focused on God’s promises or by my own fear and doubt?
• Am I spending enough time in prayer thanking God in every circumstance?
• Is what I am consuming (media, conversations, content) helping or hindering my contentment?
• How can you incorporate thankfulness into my daily routine?
• Am I surrounding myself with people of faith to encourage my walk with God? 
• What steps can I take today to cultivate a heart of contentment?
• What selfish desires cause me to be discontent?
• What do I want that I am not getting that leads to discontentment?
• Is what I am consuming (media, conversations, books) helping or hindering my contentment?

Suggested Blogs:

• Thankfulness
• Gratitude
• Finding Peace