Do you feel unsatisfied with life? If so, what is causing you to feel this way? Is it a feeling of failure, unhappiness, or you are not happy with how life is turning out? If you are feeling this way, there is a way out of it! You are meant to live a fulfilled life in the Lord, no matter what is happening around you.
A life of contentedness means you have the joy of the Lord, and you are fulfilling what He has for you. In today’s discussion, we will talk about what the Bible has to say about contentedness, where our happiness should be and how we can combat any feelings of dissatisfaction. Let’s grab our Bibles and discuss!
I am here to tell you today that you do not need to live feeling unsatisfied and unhappy! It is possible to feel satisfied and content. If we keep turning our attention to things that are temporary, they will one day fail and rob us of our peace. However, if we focus on what is eternal, we can find true satisfaction and peace.
Philippians 4: 11-13 states: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:” “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If we examine Paul’s life, we can see that he experienced many trials. This includes jail, shipwrecks, persecutions, hatred from his people, etc. (see 2 Corinthians 11: 24-28) Yet we see in verse 11 of Philippians 4 that he learned how to be content in every season. How did he find this? He focused on the calling the Lord had for him and stayed true till the end.
How do we find this contentedness? This depends on the condition of our heart. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we focus on the Lord and live according to His Word, we will find this contentedness because we are pleasing the Lord and working on our eternal reward. The Lord will also provide everything we need such as peace, joy, love, sound mind, etc.
Suppose you are feeling unhappy. This can include careers, wishing for different results, questioning choices, or you are not having success like other people are having. For example, you wish you had talents that someone else has or you feel useless. We must remember that we are living our story, not someone else’s. God is working on you as much as He is working on someone else.
If needed, talk to people about some disappointments you may be experiencing. God has given us family and friends to talk things over. If you do this, you can get an idea of what God is calling you to do. Although these are good resources, ultimately you should be seeking the Lord and telling Him what is happening in your life. God will give you direction of what you need to do.
To be content, we must seek the Lord and find our happiness in Him. By doing so, we will have the fulfillment we need. As mentioned before, it is possible to feel content and satisfied with life. If this is something you are currently striving for, seek the Lord about it and I promise, you will find exactly what you need. God wants to see you blessed in this life and enjoying what He has given you. What seems impossible with man, is possible with God!
Thought for the Week: Are you currently content? If not, what do you need to do to be content?