Arise to Contentment

“It’s not always easy to bless others when you aren’t feeling blessed, but definitely worth it because blessing someone else blesses you in return. ”

Michelle S. Lazurek | MichelleLazurek.com

Scrolling through my social media feed each day, I have clicked like and commented on many writer friends’ posts who have received contracts for new book projects.

As part of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (awsa.com), I consider it a privilege to be among many talented writers and speakers. Some, God has blessed with millions of dollars in book sales, unlimited local and national exposure, and a large platform to reach thousands—if not millions—for Christ.

As I wait to hear about some book projects’ possible acceptance, I am genuinely happy for all of my friends who have made it to best-seller status—that is ... most of the time.

About 92 percent of the time, I applaud alongside them, cheering them on to greatness. However, about 8 percent of the time, I get a pang of jealousy as I watch other people get blessed with more opportunities, more money, and more prestige. If I’m honest, there’s a small part of me who wishes I could be the one scrawling my name across the bottom of a crisp, newly printed publishing contract. I’m embarrassed to admit that, but it’s true. And I’m willing to bet, you’ve felt that way sometimes too.

One of the enormous stumbling blocks to understanding our freedom in Christ is contentment. When we place our value in what we have or what we do rather than being grateful for what God has given us, we tend to ignore what is truly important. without much work on their part.

The apostle Paul teaches us what it means to be content.

Paul understood what it meant to give up his fame and fortune for an opportunity to dedicate his life to serving God. Well known in town for his zealous killing of Christians, God got a hold of him, and he was never the same. He traded in his infamy and people’s approval for chains, whippings, and jail time. Yet, he shares the biggest lesson with the Philippian Church.

“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 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 4:11-13). Paul learned to embrace contentment.

So, how do you escape from the claws of discontentment? If you are within the clutches of comparison and envy, praying blessings on all those around you is a great place to start. Here’s what you can do:

For one week, pray a prayer of blessing over those of which you are jealous, in the hopes that it will change not only your perspective on the situation, but also your heart: “Lord, please bless ________. I know he/she is receiving your blessing right now, but please double Your blessing on their lives. Give them a double portion of Your peace, turn their sorrow into joy, and enlarge their territory as You did for Jabez.”

On Monday, the words were like eating sour lemons— downright unpleasant. By Wednesday, they came a bit more naturally. By Friday, they tasted sweet like honey, rewarding not only them but me, too. I

t’s not always easy to bless others when you aren’t feeling blessed, but definitely worth it because blessing someone else blesses you in return.

Every time I do it, something within me changes. My character becomes more like Jesus. The words become less bitter and a little sweeter. My thoughts are a bit less angry and a little more peaceful. Sometimes the best gifts don’t come under Christmas trees.

During this Christmas season, receive the gift of contentment by praying blessings every one you know. Not only will you bless them, but you just might find your life a little extra blessed, too.