Looking for contentment in a restless world? In this post, we will discuss some tips for cultivating contentment and how to find true contentment in Christ.
9 Tips to Cultivate a Life of Contentment
What is contentment?
Contentment is the state of being happy and satisfied. Biblically, contentment is knowing God’s will for your life, and walking in that path. “Biblical contentment is an inward trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness that produces the fruit of joy and peace and thanksgiving in the life of a believer, regardless of outward circumstances.” – Well Watered Women. A good picture of contentment is when we trust God and delight in His word daily,
There’s only so much we can do on our own to attain contentment because in my opinion, our circumstances don’t determine our contentment – God does. He is unchanging! Our work is to abide in Him.
Ways to Practice Contentment:
Be where your feet are
- True contentment comes from accepting Christ, and knowing that in Him, you have everything you need.
- Being where you feet are means being present and being content with what we have. In a world that always suggests “more is better,” learn to look around you and express gratitude for all you already have.
Show up for others and invest in their lives
- When we take the time to love others and give our time away, our feelings of discontentment fade away. We are more focused on showing them God’s love than worrying about our own circumstances. Contentment can come from situations like this because it affirms that we are walking in God’s will for our life because we are following Him and his command to love others as ourselves.
Stop comparing
- Have you ever found yourself scrolling social media and next thing you know you’re trying to curate your life to look like someone else’s or searching in another tab for the shoes this girl has or beating yourself up that you’re not like her – aka not enough as you are. Comparison can steal your contentment in an instant! What we can do, is work on bettering ourselves in ways that work for our lives and are honorable to God. Not for the approval of others or to fit a mold or pattern of this world.
Take care of yourself
- Caring for our bodies as gifts from God is so important. Fueling our bodies with whole foods, protein and exercising because we have the ability to are wonderful practices of being content with what we have been given. Create daily routines or habits that are fruitful and attainable.
Rejoice in God’s unique plan for everyone
- This goes hand in hand with showing up for others and stopping comparison. A great solution for comparison is to ask God for wisdom and understanding that He is not withholding anything from you, and to help you rejoice. I have learned a lot about this over the last few years, and when you learn to be content with the path God has you on and confident in who He is and your identity in that, you’re able to do the same for those around you!
Learn to enjoy simple things that don’t cost money
- Money won’t buy happiness! Target or Amazon didn’t promise abundant life, Jesus did. Haha, that sounds so cheesy, but it’s true. We live in a consumer society, but please know that fullness and satisfaction on this side of eternity is not found in having the next trendy thing or having an increased salary to do so. Challenge yourself to a no spend week (outside of essentials), date nights that are free, and enjoy the day to day simple pleasures. I love finding a new recipe, doing a book exchange with friends and exploring a new park with my pup.
Accept imperfection
- I have learned a lot lately about striving and perfectionism. You’re not ever going to be perfect! Accepting this takes a lot of the pressure off. I think a lot more contentment can be found when we let expectations go and not take life too seriously!
Set Goals
- Something to challenge yourself or switch up a mundane routine is to set goals for yourself or your household. Discontentment can harbor when we feel like we are doing the same ole thing. Make it a goal to do ___ this many times this week, or do a few things you’ve been putting off.
Prayer
- Prayer is our greatest weapon! When we pray, we turn our anxieties and worries and feelings of discontentment over to God. Doesn’t it sometimes feel like an actual weight has been lifted off your shoulders? When you give your needs to God, at the same time, you place your trust in Him and trust He has ultimate control. Contentment is a settled spirit, and quiet confidence that God is always at work for good.
3 Bible Verses about Contentment
Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Psalm 34:10 “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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