Cultivating Contentment

In a season of receiving picture-perfect Christmas cards, I want to dive into something I struggle with all the time, and I have a feeling other girls do too: contentment and comparison. These two issues go hand in hand, with one leading to the other. So the first question is, how does the Bible define contentment and comparison? I found several key verses that address these issues…

Philippians 4:11-12 – “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.”

2 Corinthians 10:12 – “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Galations 1:10 – “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

In the passage from Philippians, we learn that there is a secret to being satisfied in ALL situations, rich or poor, full or hungry. The secret is trusting in God to provide what we need and what’s best for us, not necessarily what we want.

Now, I love Pinterest; I’m constantly pinning lovely images, yet many of those beautiful things are unattainable. They don’t ultimately satisfy. The more we chase after the things of this world, the more we will long for something greater, deeper, and more fulfilling; Jesus steers us to the cross, pointing our eyes to Him and His all-sufficient grace.

When we’re discontent, we tend to compare ourselves another, falling into the trap of dangerous thoughts, like ‘she’s (fill in the blank) than me.’ It’s a losing battle. We end up feeling insecure about ourselves, or perhaps worse, we encourage prideful thoughts, insisting we are better than another. How do we cultivate contentment when we are so prone to wander, and it’s so easy to let thoughts of discontentment creep in?

No. 1: Where do we place our hope, trust, and satisfaction? The only place we’ll find fulfillment is in Christ, who supplies our hunger for nourishment with Himself. He is the Bread of Life. In Him, the weary and heavy-laden can find rest.

No. 2: Open our eyes to the blessings we have and be thankful. Start a prayer journal that focuses on practicing gratitude. Jot down the little things on sticky notes and put them up around your house. Say thank you more frequently. Gratitude cultivates gratitude. The more thankful we are, the more joyful we are, and the more we’re reflect Jesus and point to Him.

No. 3: You’re one-of-kind; God created you exactly how you should be, flaws included, and placed you where you should be. Jeremiah 29:11 states this, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In closing, remember that the people we compare ourselves to have struggles they’re working through. Just as we water plants to spur growth, focus on watering the seed of our relationship with God by practicing thankfulness.

Warmly,

Seabrook.