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In our church small group for young couples, the leader asked a simple question, “Are you content?”
In that group of about twenty, each one said that yes, they were content.
Except the last person to answer: me. I bumbled through a response that sounded something like this: “No, I don’t think I’ll ever be content. There’s always something more I want to do and want to see.” In my heart, though, I knew that I was leaving off the fact that there was always something more I wanted to have.
Contentment does feel elusive in this high-speed, busy world in which we live. Ads on television encourage us to buy more. Social media images provide a constant feed of others’ seemingly picture-perfect lives. And our calendars get over-filled with commitments that sap energy and rob us of quiet times of rest.
How To Choose Contentment
It is possible, though, to choose contentment and welcome it into our hearts, minds, and souls. Paul wrote to the Philippians that he learned to be content, no matter the circumstances, adding, “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 4:11-13 NIV).
We too can learn to be content, as we put some simple life-giving practices into place:
Decide What’s Important
When I periodically stop and list what I truly value, it’s easier to say no to things and activities on the periphery. A quiet time with God comes first in my day. And because my family is important, I’ll put their activities on the calendar first and then schedule work and ministry commitments. Identifying your values can help you say no to requests and responsibilities that are out of your value zone.
Set Goals
When we choose contentment it doesn’t mean we abandon personal goals, which could range from losing weight to taking a road trip across country. Like values, goals simply help us establish priorities for our time.
Forgive and Let It Go
When we hold on to grievances and even just simple annoyances, that posture disturbs our peace. Instead, we can choose not to take offense as a practice of choosing contentment. As past resentments come to mind, I find it helpful to say to myself, “I choose not to be offended.”
Practice Gratitude
Learning contentment means I am grateful for my life. Paul wrote, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). This means that I not only thank God for what I have but also thank Him for the situations I find myself in—including the struggles because I can grow in my faith because of them.
Stop Comparing
Someone on social media will always be thinner, have better hair, wear nicer clothes, and have a nicer home than anything we experience. What we don’t always see is the difficulties they face and the losses they’ve experienced.
Serve and Give to Others
Years ago I started prayer walking—walking for my health and praying for those in my community whose homes and businesses I passed. In Philippians 4:17 Paul encourages the practice of giving because it results in blessings for the giver. And it’s true! Serving others and generously helping them brings personal joy that helps us choose contentment.
Take Time to Rest
Often we push ourselves beyond what God would expect of us—short-circuiting healthy routines. As we practice mindfulness, we can grow in our own understanding of what our body needs to be well—including healthy foods, physical exercise, and rest. Author Saundra Dalton-Smith suggests in her book Sacred Rest that we may need more than just physical rest but also perhaps mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, sensory rest, or creative rest. Unplugging from devices and pursuing self-care can help us get perspective about what we truly need.
Listen now to this Abide meditation based on Philippians 4:11-12. Let God speak to your heart about how to choose contentment in your life.
Adjust Your Focus
Choosing contentment may simply be a mindful practice of learning to focus on what’s important—healthy relationships and healthy self—and allowing God and His Word to speak truth into your heart, mind, and soul.
For more help learning to choose contentment, check out the Abide app. Our more than 1500 guided meditations, like the one above, all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ and and find your contentment in Him. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to our entire library of content.
Janet is a national speaker and the author of 26 books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk and her newest, Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style. She and her husband, Craig, raised their four kids in the Sierra Valley of California where Craig has been a cattle rancher for more than forty years.
