4 Ways to Overcome Discontent

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” Phil.4:11

We’re in a season where buying and getting is expected! But it’s also a season that can make us grumpy and ungrateful--NOT what God wants for us or what is best for our spiritual and emotional well-being (or our relationships, either!).

If you’ve had your appendix, tonsils, or some other body part removed, you know it can happen only once. Experiencing contentment is not like that! 

It’s not a one-time state that guarantees you will never again struggle with being grumpy, discontent, resentful, envious, or angry because circumstances haven’t turned out the way you wanted.
CONTENTMENT is something we learn:

1. We learn contentment by intentionally choosing it as an attitude, a goal, something we want and something God wants for us. It is not natural. It doesn’t just descend on us. It’s something God wants us to learn and experience for our well-being!   Contentment is acceptance leading to peace, joy, and freedom from worry and anxiety. It also provides the power to stop complaining, grumbling and being miserable.    Where else can you find these inner qualities that will hold you steady and strong in the storms of life?

2. We learn Contentment through Life Experiences.
Look back and recall how God was present in all sorts of situations—answering prayer; providing a much-needed job or an unexpected gift of money or groceries, moving a loving and helpful person to support you. Where have you seen God provide for you? How have you seen His care when you were alone and wondering how you’d manage?
   
Your experiences of God are how you learn He can be trusted. Remember them! But also apply what you know of Him to today. Don’t fret and worry but, instead, praise him for how He will provide for you today!

3. We learn Contentment by focusing our mind on Facts about God not our Feelings that life is unfair.
Practice what the Psalmist did. Psalm 63:6-8 “On my bed, I remember you—I think of you—Because you are my help I sing—My soul clings to you, Your right hand upholds me.” The psalmist redirected his thoughts and his self-talk. Instead of repeating his fears and negative feelings, he recited what he knew and had experienced in his walk with God.
 
The Psalmist focused on these truths: YOU ARE MY HELP, YOU UPHOLD ME, I AM NOT ALONE, YOU ARE HERE.
 
WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON?

4. We learn contentment by saying to ourselves, “I have enough!”

As you look at what you have—whether it’s clothes, shoes, a house, kitchen things, a car that runs—you name it—have you ever wanted more and more and more? Have you noticed how that desire produces ugly feelings of discontent, comparisons, and even self-pity? I have!

 
When those ugly feelings wash over me, I’ve learned to ask myself: Do I need more? The answer is almost always, NO!I don’t. And I repeatedly remind myself: Poppy Smith, YOU HAVE ENOUGH!
 
HOW ABOUT YOU?
 
Contentment is possible, my friends. Will you ask God to help you experience it? Romans 12:2.
 
What has helped you learn to be content? I’d love to know.
Poppy