"That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God" (Eccles. 3:13).
Contentment can sometimes feel elusive. Even more so when life doesn't go as planned or when you're constantly bombarded by messages that push you to want more, be more, and have more, as if that is the key to contentment. When we study contentment in the Bible, it paints a different picture of what contentment is and how we achieve it. That’s why if we are going to live a contented Christian life, then we must understand the key to experiencing contentment. We will quickly discover that contentment in the Bible looks nothing like the contentment the world is trying to offer us.
What is Contentment from a Biblical Perspective?
When we see the word content in the Bible, what does it really mean? I believe in one word, it means satisfaction. The general definition of contentment is to be in a state of happiness and satisfaction. Being content means being satisfied in your situation and not thinking if you have more or if you are more, then those things will be pivotal in finding the satisfaction and completeness you desire. This does not mean you don’t push to be better, do more, or to advance. It means you don’t use that as the measure of your satisfaction. As Christians, this is necessary because the opposite of contentment is disappointment, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness. If you search for contentment in the wrong places, it can lead to making harmful choices.
What are Some Key Bible Verses on Contentment?
The following are some key verses from which we can gain an understanding of what it means to be content, according to Scripture.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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" (Philip. 4:11-13).
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Tim. 6:6-8).
"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'” (Heb. 13:5).
"The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble" (Prov. 19:23).
"But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content" (Psalm 131:2).
Contentment vs. Worldly Desires
When we look at contentment in the Bible, there is a common theme that appears. Being content leads to fulfillment. Because you are fulfilled, you can approach life from the right perspective. The person who is content does not get there because of what they have; they are content because of who they know. Their satisfaction and completeness are in their relationship with the Lord, and they recognize that everything else is temporary.
This contrasts with the world or the pursuit of worldly desires. So often, people who are discontent believe that getting more will bring them satisfaction and happiness. The belief is if I have enough things, then I will achieve the place of contentment. This is a deception that comes from Satan and that permeates the hearts and minds of those who are running after these things. That’s why sometimes the most miserable people in the world are those who have everything they want. Where do you go to find contentment when you have everything the world says will make you satisfied and fulfilled, and yet you find yourself still unsatisfied? That’s why contentment in the Bible has nothing to do with anything external, but everything to do with what is happening in your heart.
This is why Paul could be content whether he had a lot or a little, whether he was well-fed or hungry: his contentment came from his relationship with Jesus. This is not just true of Paul but of everyone who finds their contentment in Christ.
There is another deception regarding seeking contentment in the things of the world. This applies to pursuing material things, pleasure, or anything else the world offers. Those things are all temporary. If you gain material things, they are temporary, and regardless of how much you gain, when you pass away, someone else will enjoy them. Additionally, you can lose material things in a moment, and if that happens, and those things were your source of contentment, where do you turn from there? If you seek pleasure, it only lasts for a moment and then you are back to being unfulfilled. If you desire power, that can be fleeting too. That’s why when we look at what it means to be content according to the Bible, we see it is not tied to our outward circumstances. Contentment begins in the heart and flows outwardly. It does not work the other way around.
Why Contentment Involves Trust in God’s Provision
How is it possible to have contentment, even when nothing is going well? When you pull back the curtain, one secret of contentment is trust. There is a direct correlation between your trust in the Lord and the contentment you will experience in this life. David understood this when he wrote Psalm 23. He began by saying the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. That sounds like a man who is content because he recognizes God is his shepherd, provider, and protector. That realization breeds contentment.
In Matthew, Jesus reiterates this connection between trust and contentment.
"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matt. 6:31-33).
These verses characterize two types of people. One is worried about how his needs will be met, and the other seeks the kingdom of God first. Guess which one is experiencing contentment? The one who seeks the Kingdom first.
Even though we wrestle with this in our humanity, the simple truth is that contentment in the Bible is always tied to our trust in God. When we seek him first, it shows we recognize he is the source of everything, and when we trust him as our Father, then we can be content, regardless of what is happening around us. There is nothing this world has to offer that can give us that level of peace and contentment.
What are Some Practical Steps for Cultivating Contentment?
Let’s get practical for a moment because we have seen that contentment in the Bible results from who you know and who you trust. If you are trusting in the Lord and leaning on Jesus, you will have contentment. If you are not doing those things, then you won’t. With that, here are some practical things you can do to find contentment in this life.
Seek God first
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
The Bible does not say we won’t have worries or anxieties in this life. The Bible tells us to cast those anxieties upon the Lord because he cares about us. This is the place you should begin. Get into the habit of looking to God first for everything. Have you ever noticed that children don’t worry about anything, and they can play till their heart’s content? Why does this happen? They believe their parents will take care of it, and they go on their merry way. This is how God wants us to be. Not being anxious or worried, but having peace and contentment in every situation. This can only happen when we look to him first in everything.
Rejoice and give thanks all the time
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
There is something about giving thanks and rejoicing that brings satisfaction. I believe it is all about seeing things from the right perspective. When you recognize everything you have comes from the Lord, you can rejoice and be thankful. Rejoicing and giving thanks shifts your focus from what you lack and allows you to see the blessing in everything. I suggest you start by writing down all the things you are thankful for and all the ways God has blessed you. When you finish, I will say with confidence, you will have a lot to rejoice over.
Focus on eternal things
If all you do is look around and focus on what you see, there is a high probability you will lose your contentment. It is easy to do when you look at the things happening around our country and around the world. That’s why, from time to time, you must take a step back and have an eternal perspective. This world is not our home, because we are citizens of heaven. That mindset not only gives you endurance in this life, but it helps you to show love, kindness, and generosity to others because you are living with eternity in mind. When you live with this perspective, you can experience contentment because you know everything in this life will one day pass away, and there is an eternal home in heaven waiting for you.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18).
My prayer for you today is that you would find contentment in whatever station in life you find yourself. Whether you have a lot or a little. Whether your baskets are overflowing or you are scraping the bottom. Those things are not the source of your contentment. You can be content right now because God is with you. He will never leave you, and he will not forsake you. So rest in who God is and not how your situation appears. God is faithful, and when that truth burns in your heart, you will find contentment.
For Further Reading
25 Encouraging Bible Verses about Contentment
Is Contentment Really Something We Can Control?
What Does it Mean to be Content in All Circumstances?
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