4 ways to practice contentment
Written by Missionary Bruce
“Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state that I am, therewith to be content.”
One of the joys of being a follower of Christ is that he is your comforter and will lead you into all truth. In a society that requires so much of our time and attention, it is so easy to get caught up in the things of the world. The plans of the enemy are to steal, kill, and destroy. In addition, one of his plans is to take away peace from God’s people. He wants us to be worried and filled with so much anxiety. However, we have a God that will take away all of our troubles if we place our trust in him. Today, I will share with you four ways to practice contentment in your life.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE - “Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
It is impossible to develop contentment without being grateful. A grateful person focuses on the things that they have and not the things that they lack. Take a moment to look around, focus on all of the things that God has blessed you with. Focus on where God has brought you from. Take a deep breath and recognize that you have been given another opportunity in the land of the living, and that if you trust in the Lord, all things will be added on to you.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” Isaiah 26:3
As a believer, it is important to develop a mind like Christ. As soon as you wake up, talk to God, read a scripture that will keep your mind focus on him. Focus on his words and allow it to consume your entire being. The enemy wants your mind to be focused on things of the world; however, allow the holy spirit to control your thoughts. Recognize that you have the choice to rely on the promises of God when he said that he will keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him.
DON’T COMPARE YOUR LIFE TO OTHERS: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and become content with such things ye have; for he saith, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
It is so easy to compare your life with others and wonder why certain things aren’t happening for you. Sometimes, you may feel that some people that are in the world are flourishing or may have more than you but God said that he will never leave you nor forsake you. When you feel down, remember the servants of God in the holy scriptures. Joseph was sold by his own brothers into slavery. However, Joseph became an important person in the kingdom and was able to be a help to his family. Your journey may not look like someone else’s but trust God’s process.
HELP OTHERS: “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” John 15:12
Another great way to practice contentment is to be a help to others. God has called us to love one another, and a way to show love is by helping one another. You can help others by giving them encouraging words, comforting them in hard times, being there for them in their ups and downs. The more you help others, you will realize just how valuable you are. Your knowledge, skills, and talents can be a blessing to others. This will allow you to recognize all of the gifts that God has already given you to make a difference in the world.
Practicing contentment will allow you to recognize that living in the present moment is all that we have. Remember, we can make plans but God is the one that direct our steps. Be grateful, change your mindset, don’t compare yourself to others, and continue to be a help to your neighbors and you will experience the peace that God leaves with those who put their trust in him.
God Bless you.