Struggling With Contentment…Wishing Your Life Away?
Author : Kelsey Jones
Do you ever mask your discontentment with “excitement for the future?” I know I do. How low am I that I mask sinful thoughts with something good? I know what the Bible says about being content, yet I still fail to believe the worth of this season of life? Why do I think the next season will be so much better? Why do I believe the lie that I am not strong enough for this season?
We are put on this earth by a holy God to give Him glory. That is our only purpose. Everyone under the sun loves to preach self-exultation and they make it look pretty good… but that is not my purpose, and it isn’t yours either. I believe that the root of discontentment is selfishness. We think our plan is better than God’s plan and that is not the truth. in fact, that is exalting ourselves above God.
With that being said, you may be a little discouraged. You probably stumbled upon this page because you were looking for encouragement and now you’re wondering why you are reading these harsh condemning truths. Well, I believe it is impossible to understand how good God is until we realize how wicked and depraved we are. The good news is that the story doesn’t end that way, God saw our depravity and He chose to step in pay for our sins.
So, how do these gospel truths relate to contentment and how can we bring God glory in tough seasons?
For me personally, I am in a season of life (college) that is often labeled as “the best years of your life.” While I have countless blessings in my life, I am still discontent and find myself wishing this season away. I am always thinking about the future and what it will be like to be married and live closer to my family. I can’t wait to have a job that doesn’t require homework, I can’t wait to have my own space. All of these things are awesome, but they are not necessary for my purpose, or my contentment. God did not send His one and only son to save me so that I could be discontent. No no no, He saved me so that I could live a life that is worthy of my calling and worthy of His purpose.
EVERY season is hard, and the grass truly is always greener on the other side. My job is to look to the Lord for everything. My rest, my strength, my help, my blessings, they all come from Him. We must lean on the Lord in all seasons, good and bad. Now I know that is much easier said than done, trust me I know all too well how hard it can be. Some things that help guide me into contentment in the Lord in all seasons are:
1. Abiding in His word – yes, every day no matter how tired you may be
2. Prayer – this should be an all day thing, God wants to hear you and He is always there! It doesn’t have to be formal, it can be anytime anywhere.
3. Love – We are called to love one another as Christ loves us and that is not always easy, especially when life is hard, but it is necessary. Blessing others brings so much joy, if you don’t believe me just try it and I promise you won’t be disappointed
Remember… I am preaching to myself here too! You are Not alone. Psalm 19:4 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
This is one of my favorite verses because it encapsulates everything commanded of us, contentment included. Let’s vow to ourselves, each other, and the Lord that we will strive to live out this verse and with that comes contentment. By doing these things we bring God the glory He so deserves. Don’t wish your life away. We got this!!