I wish I knew the answer on being constantly content. It feels almost impossible to live in the moment unless we’re in a moment of pure bliss. Otherwise, we’re in the mundane or in a harsh season, wishing our life away. It’s so much easier to plan for the future rather than sit in the present moment of today. Society as a whole has created this obsession with plans and calendars and tomorrow and later today and the future… I wonder what would happen if we took time out of our day to just focus on being content with this current moment.
In case you were wondering, contentment can be described as satisfaction, peace, and happiness. How can I feel satisfied in the mundane routines? How can I feel at peace when my future is unknown? How can I be happy when I’m not feeling happy? How can I replace my stress with a feeling of contentment?
The Bible says this:
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Personally, the line about being content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities in the name of Christ makes me pause. How can I selflessly allow myself to feel contentment when life is often the opposite? If contentment is satisfaction, peace, and happiness, then how can I find that within my weakness, hardships, and calamities?
Paul recognizes his weakness. He’s asking God to take away the trials he is facing. But God is telling Paul, and us, that the thorn won’t always be removed; our weakness won’t always be taken because God is our source of strength, and through Him we are strong. The same can be said when it comes to contentment.
Our circumstances might not always reflect what we wish them to be. But despite our circumstances, we have the choice to choose contentment through Christ. Because of our relationship with Christ, we can choose to take a deep breath and believe that God has us.
For me, contentment is being fulfilled with the call God has placed on my life. I might not always be focused on the now, I might be stressed or scared, but I have a sense of contentment in my walk with Jesus because I know that He is who He says He is.
I can feel an inner peace and contentment with the plan God has for me, and in the midst of life’s turbulent nature, I can re-focus my heart on the God who breathes peace over me.
What are ways you can combat fear and anxiety and turn them into contentment?
- Pray – Ask God to turn your unrest into peace.
- Breathe – Breathe out the words “Let Go” and breathe in the words “Let God.”
- Read the Bible – What other verses point towards contentment?
- Go on a walk – Walking calms your nervous system and can be a way to connect with God.
- Reflect – write out what you’re feeling to become aware of your thoughts and emotions.
Reflect: In what aspect of your life are you lacking the contentment of the Lord?
EMILY DICKINSON 