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There are many ways to be content. Do one quick Google search and you’ll get a wealth of responses in a matter of milliseconds. Thing is, being content with whatever life brings your way takes much more than just reading about it.
I know it seems a little cliche to say that because you’re here reading this post, most likely in hopes of finding the answer. And I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to pose a side of contentment that isn’t always talked about or considered popular. But my hope is that you’ll get to the end of this post and discover a new perspective when it comes to contentment and how to truly obtain it.
What Does it Mean to be Content?
I believe it’s important to understand the difference between worldly contentment and biblical contentment. According to the world, contentment is achieved by the more stuff you have and your status. It’s equivalent to going after materialistic things in hopes of it making you happy. Usually the world encourages contentment by taking of personal journey that may involve spend money, pursuing exciting lives, or a minimalist lifestyle. However, none of these things will led to true commitment.
What is the Biblical Definition of Contentment?
Whenever we are seeking the truth on a particular topic the first and best place we can go is the Word of the Lord. In Philippians 4:12, Paul tells us he learned the secret of being content.
This secret that Paul is talking is the fact that true contentment comes from embracing Christ as your Savior and placing your trust in Him to provide you with everything you need. Christ alone is sufficient and His promises are all you need in this life. Therefore, your contentment is not to affected by circumstances. You can take a deep dive into what the Bible says about contentment with the below 12 Bible verses.
Loving God and Being Content Go Hand in Hand
When we truly love God, we understand that He is in control of our lives and that He has a plan for us. We trust in His goodness and His wisdom, and we know that He will always provide for us (Romans 8:28). This knowledge brings us contentment, even in difficult times. We are not defined by our current situation but by our relationship with Him. When we focus on our love for God and our faith in His plan, we find joy and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). We become grateful for what we have, rather than worrying about what we don't have. Loving God and being content is a beautiful way to live, and it can bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
10 Scriptures on Contentment
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
These verses from Philippians 4:11-12 emphasize that contentment is a state of mind that is independent of external factors. The author, Paul, speaks about learning how to be content in any situation, whether in times of abundance or scarcity. This contentment is not based on his own strength, but on God's strength, which empowers him to face any situation with peace and happiness. The verses highlight the importance of relying on God's strength to find contentment, regardless of the circumstances.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 emphasizes the importance of being content with what we have, and finding satisfaction in God's provision instead of material possessions. It reminds us to place our trust in God and prioritize our relationship with Him, rather than valuing ourselves solely based on the accumulation of wealth. By keeping our focus on God and being content with His provisions, we can experience a deeper sense of inner peace and fulfillment.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
This passage from 1 Timothy 6:6-8 highlights the significance of contentment for human beings in their pursuit of godliness. It stresses that material possessions are incapable of providing lasting fulfillment or security, and that genuine gain lies in nurturing a contented heart. The author advises us to be content with basic necessities such as food and clothing, instead of striving for wealth or status, which may lead to discontentment and diversion from our quest for godliness.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
This verse from Matthew 5:6 highlights the importance of seeking righteousness above material possessions or worldly desires. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and to have a deep desire for righteousness, knowing that in doing so we will find satisfaction and contentment. It reminds us that true fulfillment and satisfaction come from seeking after a stronger relationship with God and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
This verse from Matthew 6:25 reminds us not to worry excessively about our physical needs because there are important things beyond just material possessions. Instead, we should trust in God and focus on our spiritual well-being. By doing so, we can discover contentment and enjoy a good life that is not solely defined by material wealth or possessions.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
This verse is related to contentment as it expresses that with the Lord as our shepherd, we have everything we need and lack nothing. It reminds us that true contentment is found in God and not in material possessions or worldly success.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
This verse from Romans 14:17 reminds us that our ultimate goal as Christians is not to accumulate material possessions or physical pleasures, but rather to seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. When we focus on these spiritual qualities, we can cultivate contentment and experience a good life that is grounded in faith and a God loves.
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.
The author of the above verse reminds us being content is found through the the grace of God, especially in our moments of weakness. The author acknowledges their own shortcomings and hardships but instead of giving up, they take pride in their weaknesses because they know that Christ's power is made perfect in their weakness. It is a powerful reminder that God's grace is enough for us and that we can cultivate contentment by relying on His strength, even when we face challenges.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.
The verses from Habakkuk 3:17-19 emphasize the importance of being content in God despite challenging situations. Regardless of the lack of harvest or resources, the author chooses to rejoice in the Lord and find joy in their salvation. This passage reminds us that our circumstances do not determine our happiness or sense of fulfillment. Instead, our relationship with God can sustain us and bring us contentment, even in the midst of adversity.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
While the verse may not directly mention contentment, it speaks to finding inner peace even in the midst of suffering. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of others, and through his faith in Christ, he is able to find peace and purpose in his afflictions.
This idea of finding contentment and peace in difficult situations is a reminder for Christians to trust in God and his plan, even when things don't go as planned. It's a call to focus on the bigger picture and find comfort in the fact that our suffering can be used for a greater purpose.
6 Ways to be Content with Whatever Life Brings Your Way
In a society that constantly tells us we need more, it can be challenging to cultivate contentment in our own lives. It's easy to get caught up in comparison and envy, always striving for the next thing or the next level. However, true contentment comes from within and can be achieved by making intentional choices and practicing gratitude. Here are six practical ways help you be more content in your own life, no matter what comes your way.
1. Practice acceptance.
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)
One of the biggest blockers of being content is always looking to the next… the next big house, the next big car, or the next big moment. Always focusing on what is to come often shadows being accepting and thankful for the now. Even if the current situation or circumstance doesn’t seem so favorable, you can still find a way to accept it.
2. Practice Gratitude.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
It is impossible to develop contentment without gratitude—they are inseparable. And a grateful person is one who has learned to focus on the good things in their life, not the things they lack.
3. Lean not on your own understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)
Coming from one of the most popular scriptures, leaning not on your own understanding involves trusting in the Lord. When it comes to being content, this is an absolute necessary piece regardless if everything seems to be going fine and dandy. Being able to trust in the Lord in the good times just as much as in the not-so-good times will help your level of contentment be unwavered.
4. Pray for the continual strength to be content.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
There has always been and will continue to be power in prayer. It is our direct communication line with Heavenly Father and He yearns to hear from us. Adding the desire to be content to your daily prayers will help you focus on maintaining it regardless of whatever life brings your way. Not to mention, you can trust that God will answer your prayer and reveal to you what contentment in Him looks (and feels) like.
5. Find accountability from like-minded believers.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)
We were never meant to walk this journey alone. Having a few friends, family, and/or church-member support can help you with the areas of contentment that may be a struggle. From prayer to receiving wise counsel, it is wise to have a few people you can trust and depend on to hold you up and accountable.
6. Learn to Enjoy the Present Moment
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)
Since true contentment comes from accepting Christ as your Savior and trusting Him to provide for all your needs, the finial way to practice focus on being content is to learning to live in the present moment.
Living in the present moment requires that you take the time to appreciate where you are, what you are doing, and who is with you knowing that each moment is exctly where God wants you to be in. Whenever the past calls my name or concerns of the future threatens my inner peace and contentment, I find if a take a deep breath I can refocus on the present moment.
Final Thoughts on Being Content
There are various ways to cultivate the practice of being content with whatever you have. The aforementioned strategies are practical and powerful, serving as starting points for adopting a godly perspective on contentment while navigating daily life. Like learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes, it's possible to develop a habit of contentment through intentional effort. It's important to note that living a contented existence requires ongoing practice and patience. However, by implementing the aforementioned strategies, you can progress towards living a more fulfilling life.
If you find yourself struggling to find contentment after trying the above strategies and studying what the Bible says about contentment, you may need the help of a local Christian therapist or coach. You can search our directory of certified coaches, Christian therapist, and other christians mental health providers here. Local Christian Therapists and Life Coaches
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Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical psychologist who provides christian therapy in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
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Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
