Have you ever opened a big bag of chips only to discover that it consisted of equal parts chips and air?  Or bought a book based with an intriguing title and description, but felt let down by how boring it actually was?

If so, it’s because you expected much better.  The package or title over-promised and under-delivered, leading to a mixture of disappointment, frustration, and perhaps some anger at being “gypped out”. 

Airy chip bags and boring books we can get over quickly.  But what about when LIFE makes us feel “gypped out”?!  Someone else got the promotion?  Others got invited and we didn’t?  We got out-bid for that dream-house? That “perfect” guy/girl chose our friend instead of us? It all adds up to “UNFAIR!”

Then someone comes along and exhorts us to be more content with who we are, what we’re doing, and what we have.  But how?  Especially when we feel we’re either lacking something, not measuring up, or not being treated right? 

So, does that mean it’s impossible to be content?  Apparently not, since God’s Word tells us we need to be.  In Phil. 4:12, Paul said,

“’I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…’”

What an audacious claim!  Does Paul really expect us to believe anyone, including him, could be just as content with poverty and scarcity as they are with wealth and abundance?

Contentment certainly doesn’t come naturally, automatically, or easily.  That’s why Paul stated he had to LEARN the secret of it! For us, this is actually good news—because it means contentment is possible for any of us.  It’s learnable.  It’s not something we’re either born with or not, and too bad for those who weren’t “wired” that way.

What, exactly, is contentment?

Contentment is a settled sense that all is the way it needs to be at this point in our lives.

Speaking as one who’s struggled myself with attaining contentment, I’d like to share some things I’ve learned on how to be conTENT with the CONtent of our lives—in that no-matter-what kind of way Paul prescribed:

1. Trust God— trust He loves us enough to always do the best
for us.  This way, when we don’t get what we want or things don’t go our way, instead of being anxious or upset, we can rest assured He’s got something better in store for us. 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Rom. 8:28

2. Remember how the Lord has already blessed us— thank Him– even keep a “thanks journal”– writing daily thanks to God and referring
back to it.  Our family has developed a “PTL Box”—“Praise and Thanksgiving to the Lord”.  I recommend this as a means to communally record and remember blessings, to provide mutual encouragement.  The Lord commanded the Israelites to do this—not only for ongoing encouragement, but to help them (and us) stop complaining so much! (See, for ex., Deut. 31)

3. Pray and ask God for it.  He’s always glad to help us grow in character, maturity, and the Fruit(s) of the Spirit.   

^“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

4. Read God’s Word—It gives us the right perspective.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16

5. Keep an ETERNAL perspective— see troubles as
temporary compared to eternal life.

“Therefore we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor. 4:16-17

6. Remember we are sinners and have received God’s mercy
and grace– getting a “much better deal” than we deserve.

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 1:14

7. Don’t have a demanding, “not enough”, attitude—if we do, we’ll never be satisfied– because we’ll be focused on who we aren’t and don’t have, instead of who we in Him, His purpose for us, and what we do have.  This goes back to a thankful heart.

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes. 5:18

8. Don’t compare ourselves to others who have/are what
we don’t have/aren’t— How often has this happened to you:  Feeling excited over a new car, house, job, etc.— until you saw someone else with a “better” one?!  Don’t look at the “greener grass on the other side”—for all we know, it may have gopher tunnels we can’t see! We’re all a lot happier and more content when we don’t look elsewhere.  That’s why the Bible calls people who compare themselves to each other “ignorant/not wise/stupid” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Truly “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6) – Because contentment always makes us feel like we have more, and plenty for whatever we need!