The Struggle For Contentment

by Tynea Lewis

A friend of mine from college and her husband recently bought an amazing piece of property for their family. I was happy for her, but instantly, I could feel a pang of jealousy shoot through me.

I wanted that to be news I could share, but it’s not, and I could feel discontentment swirl around my mind.

Have you ever longed for something someone else has? I have. Have you ever thought your life would be better if you could just have this or that? I have.

When I fixate on what other people have instead of looking to all the amazing ways God has blessed me, I start to have a grumbling heart and somehow feel like he doesn’t care about me.

That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NIV)

When I get stuck comparing what I have to what others have, I’m always going to lose focus. There will always be people who have more than me and people who have less than me.

When I longingly look at people who have more than me, it’s easy to become discontent with my blessings. When I focus on people who have less than me, I can easily feel all too good about myself. I become conceited and begin to think I’m somehow better than them.

Both views are unhealthy. Both views lead to division. Both views sadden the heart of God.

It’s easier to grumble about what we want than be thankful for what we have, but we are called to have a thankful heart.

“always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20 NIV)

“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

I don’t know about you, but that’s a wake-up call for me. It doesn’t matter if we have what we WANT. We are to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just when we get exactly what we desire.

We need to shift the way we think and adjust where we put our focus.

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;” (Romans 8:5-6 NIV)

Where are your thoughts? Are they focused on the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit?

I know I need to readjust the way I think. Focusing on the things of the Spirit leads to peace, and that’s exactly what I need. Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have poured out on me. It’s so easy for me to lose focus on how you care for me. It’s so easy for me to look at the lives of the people around me and want what they have. Help me to keep my mind focused on you and praise you for all you have done. I have been richly blessed. Help me keep my eyes on heavenly things instead of the earthly things that pass away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. ~ Matthew 4:19-20

Tynea Lewis is a teacher turned work-fromhome mom. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania with their two children, and they love spending time together at their family cabin. Tynea remembers loving to write as early as first grade. She has a heart for encouraging others in the midst of their messes. You can connect with her at her personal blog (www.tynea-lewis.com), on Instagram (@TyneaLewis), or Facebook (@TyneaLewisWriter).

Photo by Karen Ruhl

Photo by Karen Ruhl