Philippians 4:11 reminds us to be content in every season of life, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “Tomorrow, life will be better.” Sometimes we stew in discontentment over today, while we think things like this: “The kids will be older; they will do more for themselves; I won’t have to worry as much; or we will have more money.”
That may not happen! Life may or may not get better. In reality, it just gets different! I don’t want to wait for a better tomorrow and miss out on today! I would rather make today everything that God wants it to be. I would rather joyfully embrace where God has placed me for His glory and make the most of the moments I have right now. I want to make the most of life’s irretrievable moments, now! I desire to live in the present.
One way to get rid of discontentment is to be thankful. First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
For example, I love spending time with my husband! In fact, I think quality time is the predominant of my “five love languages.” I would love to spend all my time with him, but that’s not realistic. We would be out of balance if we tried it! So, instead of becoming annoyed with my husband because he doesn’t spend all of his time with me, I look forward to and am thankful for the time I do get to spend with him.
Enjoy and appreciate your family, even if they don’t pick up their dirty socks or put away their toys. Be thankful for ministry, even though it’s not a nine-to-five job. Be thankful for every opportunity to serve Christ.
A true key to finding and maintaining contentment is to deliberately choose to be thankful for each and every blessing of God! My husband has said many times, “The foundation of gratitude is the expectation of nothing.” I guess that means that the foundation of discontentment is the expectation of things! When we allow ourselves to harbor unmet expectations, we quickly slip into discontentment, imbalance, and frustration in our lives.
This article is an excerpt from chapter eight of the book It’s a Wonderful Life.
