How to be Content

Some people think that if they had more money they would be happy. Others believe if they had a bigger home they would be happy. While others believe if they had a nicer vehicle they would be happy. The truth is, none of these things lead to happiness. Happiness cannot be found in things. "Things" have a shelf life–meaning they can only satisfy you for a short amount of time. Contentment, on the other hand, is a gift from God. Here are two keys to experiencing godly contentment:

1. Recognize that God is the source of your contentment.

Godly contentment starts with a grateful spirit. God will always provide you with what you need. Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned to be content in whatever state I find myself in". This means no matter his circumstances, God was the source of his contentment. 2. Focus on what you do have and not on what you don't have.

Discontentment happens when we begin to focus on what we think we should have or what we wish we had. The problem with this is that we neglect the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 "as a mans think in his heart, so is he". If you think on what you don't have, you will undoubtedly become discontent with what you do have. The opposite is also true. If you think about what you do have, you will undoubtedly become more appreciative of what you have. Contentment requires an awareness of who God is. God is the source of our contentment. Contentment is ultimately up to you and what you decide to focus on. The choice is yours. As always, stay rooted in God.

Verse of the week:

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment "

I Timothy 6:6 ESV