True contentment comes from the heart and from trust and belief that God is our provider. If you feel content than you cannot feel self-pity. Contentment is not dependent on material possessions but rather on how you choose to live and experience your life.
Do you think that a new car will make you happy? Are you waiting to lose weight so that you will feel happier and better about yourself? Are you wishing for more money, a bigger house, or more stylish clothes to make your life better? Why wait? If you believe that God is your provider then learning to be content with what you have and not always needing something bigger and better will feel your heart with peace and contentment.
If we dwell on our wants and needs or our difficulties then we tend to be discontent and unhappy with our life. Dwelling on negative situations in our life brings discontented thoughts, anger and bitterness. We cannot be grateful servants of God if we are not practicing contentment in our lives.
Overindulgence brings discontentment because we are never happy with what what we have or our situation. Challenging circumstances can cause us to become unappreciative. Sometimes life does not seem fair but we need to remember to be grateful and content with what we do have and to believe that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
We can learn from Paul who said “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). We can learn to change our perspective by looking for the positives in every situation and realizing that God loves us and will be with us throughout the good times and any difficult times.
Life may throw us some curves but God is our voice of hope and will provide for all our needs. Contentment will bring you peace and closer to God. Pray for strength, contentment and understanding for you and your family.
