Contentment

Contentment

Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.

Colossians 2:8-10

To be discontented is to have a restless longing for better circumstances—to have a case of the “if onlys.” If only I had a better job. If only I had more money. If only I had a bigger house. If only my husband were more responsible. The list could go on and on.

The Chicago Tribune recently published a weeklong series of articles examining the psychology of contentment. Some suggestions for increasing contentment were to get more rest, put on a happy face, get involved in the moment, live fully to your potential, or consider taking mood-altering medication. Whether we are reading the newspaper, going to a psychologist, or listening to a talk show host, everyone seems to have their own theory about how to find contentment and boost our personal happiness level.

So, according to God’s Word, where do we find contentment? In a personal, growing relationship with Christ. Christ meets our needs—whether we are lonely, confused, needing forgiveness, discontented, or full of anxiety. He cares about us and wants us to come to him with our requests. Only Jesus can satisfy our longing souls.

Friends all around us are trying to find

What the heart yearns for, by sin undermined;

I have the secret, I know where ’tis found:

Only in Jesus true pleasures abound.^a

Father,

Thank you that you are more than enough. Thank you that you have authority over every other power. Thanks for the contentment you bring to our souls. Amen.