When you think of the word contentment, what does it mean to you? Are you content in this life? Are you content in all circumstances? Some people get confused about the concept of contentment because they think it means they have to settle where they are, or just sit back and go with the flow. However, there’s a huge difference between being content and being complacent. When you are content, you are satisfied; you’re full. It’s not that you aren’t pursuing your goals or striving to reach new levels; you are just able to enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going.
In life, it’s easy to get so focused on our dreams and goals, the things we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we’re not happy, and we’re not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, and we lose our peace and we’re not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”
Here are a few things that we can do everyday that will help us keep things in perspective.
1) Give Thanks In All Things. Paul had learned to give thanks in every circumstance and he encouraged all believers to do the same. Thankfulness is a matter of obedience (1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:18), but it is also a characteristic of a Spirit-filled believer (Eph. 5:18-20).
2) Rest in God's Providence. If we truly know God, we know that He is unfolding His agenda and purpose in our lives. He has determined each part of His plan for us so that we'll be benefited and He'll be glorified (Rom. 8:28). We should not be surprised when we experience trials because we know that God sees perfectly the end result (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
4) Live Above Life's Circumstances. That's how Paul lived. In 2 Cor. 12:9-10 Paul didn't take pleasure in the pain itself, but in the power of Christ manifested through him in times of infirmity, reproach, persecution, and distress. We also should learn to take pleasure in the power of Christ in times of distress.
5) Rely On God's Power And Provision. The apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"; and Jesus said He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Like Paul, we can learn to rely on Christ's promise. He faithfully promises every believer with His own strength He is with them in their time of need. (Eph. 3:16).
6) Become Preoccupied With The Well-Being of Others. This one is the one that will completely change your mindset. Paul summarized this mindset in Philippians 2:3-4, where he wrote: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
A self-centered person is a discontented person. But the person who lives for the interests and benefit of others, will find blessing upon blessing in his life. Today, I encourage you to find contentment in your journey by reaching out to others. Focusing on others instead of your own circumstances brings balance to your perspective. When you live in balance, you live in supernatural contentment and position yourself to be a vessel of His glory all the days of your 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.” (Philippians 4:12)
(see Prov. 11:24-5; 19:17; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6).
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