A Prayer for Contentment When You're Feeling Down
By Keri Eichberger
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5
I have a confession to make. I let stuff get to me. And I’m not talking about the hard stuff of life we’re sometimes handed that would be sure to get anyone worked up and down. I’m talking about material things. The opportunities and possessions of life that money can buy. And that the bible warns us not to get wrapped up in. And here’s what makes this confession a bit easier to share. I’m not alone. Every single human soul falls prey to worldly ways time and again.
About two months ago, I’d had it. For over six years, we’d crammed seven people into a house built for exactly five, and the bustling morning in our since-shared master bathroom when the twins (the unexpected additions) had spit-sprayed toothpaste into the mirror, I mean sink, for the tenth-too-many time, I cracked. We called the contractor that day with a bold “yes” to the bid to finish more basement space to give us back ours. This is when “stuff” started to get to me. First, it was isolated to the basement renovation. Choosing this or that tile, paint, light fixture, fan, mirror, all the things. And without notice I started to feel down and discontent with the whole rest of the house. The house was brand new, top to bottom, only ten years ago. I saw small dents here, wall scratches there, wearing carpet in this room, faded hardwood in another. And dated wall art, lamps, and accent tables. And I’m not kidding, I really began to feel down and kind of depressed about it all. It's embarrassing to admit.
Of course, then I felt down about being down about stuff. But then, oh so convicted. I know better than this. As if any of this stuff and fluff really even matters. The truth: I am so blessed. And really, aren’t we all?
It’s true. We are. Regardless of what you have. Even if it’s an extravagant amount to the majority of the world's standard, soon enough, you’ll feel discontent or disappointed with what you can’t seem to attain or keep up with. Because all things weather, wear down, and fade. Seriously, even the greatest palaces will gather cobwebs and age, and it is impossible to keep fresh and up-to-date. All things on earth slowly die and deteriorate.
You need to understand, and I need to understand something. The enemy wants you to adopt this mindset of more. He wants you focused on material things and what money might let you borrow and buy. He wants you so focused to the point of disappointment and absolute distraction that you forget where the actual good life is found. That you forget what lasts: true joy, love, and peace found only in the Lord. That you forget the abundant, fulfilling presence of our almighty God.
Satan got me. Well almost. Fortunately, I’ve laid stake in whose I am. I know who the abundant God is. And here’s what else I know. 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 4:12-13).
Through God, who gives us strength, we can learn to be content. When the enemy tries to lure us in with all that looks nicer than what we see and tempts us with deceptive empty promises that material things will satisfy, we can call out the lies. We can praise the God of all blessings for everything we have right now, for each good and perfect gift he has placed before us and with us and lavishes with his permeating presence all around us.
Let’s pray:
Lord God, You have given us so much. You give abundantly more than the world could ever dream to offer. You not only supply earthly gifts, but you also offer so incredibly much more. That which is lasting, everlasting, and fully fills. Your perfect, unconditional compassion and love, your peace beyond understanding, an inexpressible joy available regardless of circumstance, and a presence that will never leave or forsake us. Lord, please remind us that the things of the world are only temporary and are sure to fade and fail us, and if we get distracted by its tempting fruit, it will only deter us from what is richer, lasting, and eternal. We love you more than anything the world has to offer. Help us to live like that. In Your abundant Name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Charday Penn
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