Are we chasing happiness the world’s way, or are we embracing the lasting contentment that only comes from Christ?

Anxiety is rampant in modern days. We worry about tomorrow, always wishing for something better. We focus so much on what’s ahead that we miss the present.

Yet, Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34).

Truth is, we are restless and unsatisfied because we have not learned the art of divine contentment.

In Philippians 4:11, Paul says he has learned to be content whatever the circumstances, be they painful or blissful.

How was that possible? Is it possible for us today? What is the secret to contentment?

Let us discover that today.

What is Contentment?

Contentment is satisfaction with one’s current life situation. The Cambridge Dictionary defines contentment as ‘happiness and satisfaction, often because you have everything you need.’

Discontentment comes when we are unsatisfied with our current life situation or don’t have what we need. However, we often don’t differentiate our needs from our wants.

Conversely, we often restrict our happiness by setting conditions, telling ourselves, ‘I’ll only be happy when _____.’

Yet, the more we have, the more we want. Thus, our hearts remain unsatisfied.

Contentment is not happiness. It’s an ease of mind from being satisfied with whatever you have.

Biblical Contentment: Learning to Find Peace in God

Learning to be content means embracing the peace Jesus promises us in John 14:27.

Our worries, though with cause, often rob us of our joy and peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, God promises us peace that surpasses all understanding when we pray. This doesn’t automatically resolve our problems but they are no longer ours to worry about.

Christian contentment is about having a heart of gratitude. It is turning our eyes away from what we lack and praising God for what we do have.

It is being hopeful for what we will one day have.

The foundation of biblical contentment is Christ, our hope in Him, God’s Presence in our lives, our hope for eternity, and a trust in His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

God cares about us and values us. He promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19).

Being content is acknowledging and being satisfied with God’s provisions. It means seeking and finding joy in all circumstances.

It is delighting in The Lord.

The Importance of Finding Contentment

Contentment is beneficial for our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.

Contentment leads to a life of joy and peace. Knowing that Christ cares, provides, and is forever faithful lifts the weight of anxiety. As we navigate each day, we trade fear and stress for joy, for it is the day that The Lord has made (Psalm 118:24).

Contentment leads to a life of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. As we learn to be content, we cultivate a trust and dependency on God.

Our faith grows as we start noticing His faithfulness.

A content heart does not give in to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It is at peace and rest. It does not feel the need to rush through life but takes the time to savor each moment.

Contentment brings us closer to God.  Trusting God for our needs strengthens our relationship with Him. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on the things above.

This can be challenging if we constantly worry, chasing the next best thing, or live in a cycle of comparison and materialism.

Learning to be content where God has us in a given season opens up our hearts to the things of the Kingdom. The brunt of our time, energy, and brain capacity is not given to earthly, temporary things. 

Our mind is at rest, thus we can cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Father.

How to Be Content: Practical Steps to Cultivate Contentment Daily

Being content is not about resigning to a miserable life and never wishing for something better. It is a state of mind that we carry, regardless of the highs and lows of life.

Contentment is not natural to us. The apostle had to learn this. 

Thus, being content is a choice and not a mere feeling. It is a state of being that transcends circumstances.

Here are some practices that help cultivate a content heart:

• Practice Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18): Make it a daily habit to look for things to be grateful for: in your life, environment, and those around you. We often don’t notice our blessings and privileges because we take so many things for granted. Be grateful and give thanks for anything that you consider good. Keep track of them, and look back on them when you start to feel discontent.
• Cultivate a Strong Relationship with Christ (John 15:4): Christ is the foundation of our life. Apart from Him, we’ll always be looking for something to fill the void in us. Only in Him do we find rest (Matthew 11:28). Grow much more in faith and in love. Seek His heart, and recognize that He is all that we really need.
• Trust God (Proverbs 3:5): Believe in God’s truth. He loves us, desires to bless us, works everything out for our good, wants our well-being, and has paid the price for our freedom. Know that He provides on time, in His time, every time.
• Pray and Worship (Psalms 100): Continually talk to God. Let Him know what’s on your heart and get to know what He desires for you. Align your heart to His, and you will be much more satisfied. Count your blessings, sing His praises, worship Him.
• Serve Others (1 Peter 4:10–11): Often, our discontentment stems from being too focused on ourselves. Serving others helps us develop an others-centered mind. We learn to appreciate what we have and experience the blessings of giving (Acts 20:35).

Conclusion

“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

Choosing to be content is difficult. When life is not what we hope it will be, we tend to worry and be anxious. Worse yet, we compare ourselves to others and become dissatisfied.

Fortunately, we can draw strength from Christ and cultivate a heart posture of contentment. Turning our eyes from earthly things and setting our minds on the things above is a sure way to fill us with peace and the joy of The Lord.

Today, seek things for which you are grateful. Turn each complaint and worry into gratitude and worship, and rest in God’s promises.