How do we deal with discontentment when the world pushes us to always want more?
When I was a girl, Christmas was a highlight of my year. Or rather, waking up Christmas morning, hoping those dolls and clothes and toys I couldn’t live without would be wrapped and tagged with my name. And though I received some of the items on my Santa list, others still remained unfulfilled.
And isn’t that how life is? We find our hearts yearning for more. Whether it’s new clothes, a remodel on the house, a different car, a “new do” for our hair. It’s far too easy to become wrapped up in having something we don’t have.
7 Surprising How To's to Help Deal with Discontentment— It’s far too easy to become wrapped up in having something we don’t have. #tellhisstory #dealwithdiscontentment #contentment Click To TweetTrue story: this year, I have been eager to move. In my weaker moments, I yearn for a newer house with updated appliances, a pretty interior, peaceful colors, and ambiance. I started evaluating why I’ve wanted this so much.
Y’all know this year has held many challenges. Part of me feels like, if I can just find a new home to start over in, everything will be better . . . right? The thing is, even if we had plans to move this year (and we don’t), the problems, the struggles, the heartaches will follow me.
And yeah, as much as it would be fun to decorate a new home and find new walking paths, a move will not fix my problems. It won’t heal my heart.
When the “pretty things” this world allures us with loom attractive in our eyes . . .
When they entice our hearts to crave them . . .
We must choose to redirect our thoughts to Jesus.
The world tempts us to believe God hasn’t satisfied us. He hasn’t met our needs. The world’s aim is to draw us away from our Father. When we are tempted to complain to Him that He hasn’t given us enough, we need to take action to change this.
7 Surprising How To's to Help Deal with Discontentment—When we are tempted to complain to Him that He hasn’t given us enough, we need to take action to change this #tellhisstory #dealwithdiscontentment #contentment Click To Tweet
How do we deal with discontentment?
We all face discontentment. How do we deal with it?
If we’re fighting discontentment
Determine why we want something we don’t have. Sometimes knowing the why behind the want helps us to better understand ourselves. This also encourages us to be honest with our Father about where our hearts are.
Consider where we are seeking satisfaction. If we want something God hasn’t given us, are we seeking satisfaction from some lesser thing? From something less than God?
Start a gratitude list of what we have. When we stop to consider all God’s given us in our relationships, in our situations, in the stuff we own/get to use, this helps us redirect our focus. Choosing gratitude also reminds us that God’s meeting our needs and many of our wants.
Mindsets to grow in contentment
Trust that God gives us what He knows is best for us. If He hasn’t given it to us, we need to trust that it’s not best for us, at least not right now. We need to choose to trust God, that His plans are good for us, even if His definition of “good” differs from ours.
Guard against allowing that thing you don’t have to become an idol in your life. If we become upset with God for not giving us something we want, this can grow into a wall between us and God.
Remember God’s character. God is faithful. Our Father is is good. He is a personal Father. He is the God of love. Remembering who God is helps us accept when he says “No” or “Later” to something we want now.
The big truth is this: we are loved by the Creator of the universe. When we understand that He loves us perfectly, passionately, and completely, it’s easier to accept where we are and what we have. Trust plays in here too.
Benefits of Choosing Contentment
Satisfaction with what we have gives us peace. When we give discontentment the upper hand—we crave something God’s chosen not to give us—we may find ourselves striving to get it. Or striving with Him. We find ourselves justifying why we deserve to have it. Our thoughts become consumed by that thing we don’t have.
Perhaps discontentment has always been a human challenge. Eve wanted to be like God. She wasn’t content with the Garden God placed her and Adam in. She wasn’t content with Adam. Eve wanted more.
God knew that fruit wouldn’t be healthy for her. When He chooses to withhold something, will we trust He knows more about how that item will impact us than we do? The answer to this question can help us deal with discontentment. When we choose to trust God more than trusting that we need that thing, we can live in peace.
By the way, as I grew into adulthood and Christmastime rolled around, physical gifts took a back seat to the gifts of presence with loved ones. As we head into this holiday-filled time of year, let’s deal with discontentment and choose to look to deepening our relationship with God more than we look for the things we want.
What about you? When you have struggled with discontentment, what has helped you? What helps you to remain content?
Come share your story at the Tell His Story linkup. Connect and be encouraged by like-minded friends! #tellhisstory #linkup Click To TweetMost weeks, I link up with Grace and Truth, Anita Ojeda, Instaencouragements, and sometimes Let’s Have Coffee. Come join and read more encouraging posts!
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.
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Great post Jeanne. I needed to hear this today. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Paula, please forgive my very delayed response. I honestly thought I’d responded. I’m so glad you found these words encouraging. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I love the encouragement to consider where we might be seeking satisfaction from some lesser thing. I think your encouragement to make a list of what we’re grateful for is the most helpful for me. Having a thankful heart keeps me from straying away from the Lord in my discontentment. Beautiful pictures!
Amy, that encouragement comes from the things God has been teaching me. Sadly, it’s a lesson I’ve had to come back to more than once. I completely agree that listing those things I’m grateful for keeps my heart focused God’s presence in my life. Please forgive my delayed response. I thought I’d responded already. I’ll chalk it up to being crazy time of year. 😮
Great post Jeanne! Yes, unfortunately we all become a little discontent at times for various reasons.
I go to gratitude, as you mentioned above, praising God for the gifts & provisions He has provided & discontentment soon disappears. 😊
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, going to gratitude is one of the best ways we can combat discontent, isn’t it? 🙂
You’re so right, Jeanne, that we often want things we don’t have and believe these will bring happiness and contentment. I appreciated your seven ways to deal with discontent, especially thinking through why we want something so much, being careful not to make the thing an idol, and having a gratitude list. And most of all trusting that God knows what is best for each of us! Great post for this time of year when the ads bombard us with things we should want!
Kathy, I’m learning that when I’m discontent, it’s always because my heart is misguided and because I’ve (temporarily) forgotten Who God is. When we trust Him, it’s easier to rest in the place He has us, isn’t it?
Jeanne, another wise post. You hit the jackpot: “The world tempts us to believe God hasn’t satisfied us. He hasn’t met our needs. The world’s aim is to draw us away from our Father. When we are tempted to complain to Him that He hasn’t given us enough, we need to take action to change this.” It comes back to us thinking God not giving and us what we want or deserve. Great tips. Once again we need to refocus our eyes and thoughts back on him. And gratitude can bring about contentment.
I love your picture through the open door. Wow!
Theresa, thanks for your kind words. Yes, we need to refocus our eyes and thoughts on the Lord and remember His character. I appreciate you stopping by!
Good advice here, Jeanne. I’m struggling to be content in a bad situation as I wait it out, trusting that God will bring resolution in ways I can’t imagine yet. Thanks for your encouragement!
Praying for you Lisa. It’s hard to wait things out when God has allowed us to be in the middle of a bad situation. There are no easy answers. Thank goodness God sees it all, He loves us, and He works in and through those situations . . . just not always in our timing. Sending a virtual hug your way.
Such a good post – challenging to think about why. I want a tub in my master bath – for relaxation. Yet, I have wondered – do I seek God for that comforting rest? Last year was supposed to be the year of the new MB – but it’s been hard to find people to fit the work in. Part of me wonders – is there time for fixer uppers? Is He coming that soon? Am I focusing on the remodels and letting my lamp burn out like the 10 virgins? Yet, I know my true rest and peace only comes from Him. This would be a great group discussion!
Maryleigh, You raise such good questions. I believe, ultimately discontent is a heart issue. It’s always good to pray about those things we’d love to upgrade, fix, replace. But, if we’re seeking satisfaction or fulfillment from those things, it’s time to really evaluate that. I love that you’re laying your questions before the Lord for clarification. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here!
A much needed post for all of us today in this materialistic world.
Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. God’s been challenging me to think on contentment, especially with Christmas coming up. May we have hearts that seek Jesus above all else. I appreciate you stopping by!
Very wise post, Jeanne – and great photos! (My favorite is that blue sky through the open door. Gorgeous!)
Your line, “We must choose to redirect our thoughts to Jesus,” drew my attention because it made me think of my Life Verse this year, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 That led me to thinking of Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” May I just keep my mind and heart centered on Him and all the rest will fall into place.
Jerralea, that’s a great Life Verse! Matt 6:33 definitely challenges us to have a heart of contentment, doesn’t it? Thank you so much for sharing the verses that help you choose contentment.
Jeannie, you bring up a great point to ask why we want something. If we place unrealistic expectations on that something, we’re chasing the wind.
Yes and amen, Debbie. When I really found myself yearning to move, I had to do a hard stop and evaluate why that desire was so strong. I am thankful God challenges us to be honest with Him so He can work and refine our hearts. I’m thankful for His patient love, too. 🙂
Struggling with this myself. Thank you for this.
Thanks for your honesty, Lauren. I suspect it’s a struggle we’ll deal with on some level for most of our lives.
Jeanne, we all struggle with discontentment in some form or another. What I find in my own life, is it slips in often unnoticed, in that subtle way the enemy likes to use. Luring me into thinking I’m only reporting the facts of a situation, or what’s wrong with wanting to improve things, etc. BUT, if I’m not careful those types of comments are laced with discontentment in the way God is working in my life, providing for me or answering my prayers. Thank you for your thoughtful insight!
Donna, isn’t it eye-opening when we can see the deeper intents of some of our comments? He’s definitely challenged some of my words to others, sometimes revealing bitterness and discontent. I’m thankful He loves us enough to draw us deeper into His truth and love.
Lovely post, Jeanne, especially in this season! I’ve struggled with discontentment, and as a doer can try to fix instead of resting in God. I have started a new job, and starting to feel anxiety over a few things. I think there is an element of discontentment in my anxiety, too. I know it is a mindset stemmed from perfectionism (from not wanting to make a mistake and disappointing my employer). Somehow, I can be more content with myself if I see myself as ‘perfect.’ As the book of Matthew teaches, it is being perfect for Jesus that is matters, and that leads to a content and peaceful mindset!
Ahhh, Lynn. I am so thankful for your honesty here. I tend to feel anxious when I worry about if I can be perfect too. It’s such a trap, isn’t it? As you continue in your new job, may God enable you to see yourself as perfect in His eyes. He’ll give you all you need to do your work well, my friend. I’m saying a prayer for you today.
We can’t let our hearts be moved
by things through which the soul is rent,
and that especially includes
the parasite of discontent,
a creeping growth that strangles grace,
based here in this earthly realm,
a devil we must stand and face
for it must not take the helm
and run us on a rocky shore
of bitter whining and complaint,
where we turn to God no more,
but wallow in the febrile taint
of the passing moods we feel,
and not cool fragrance of the Real.
Oh, Andrew, this poem is absolutely profound! I am nodding my head with every line. Thank you for sharing it here. Sending you and Barb hugs and prayers, my friend.
Well, I will be interested to see how your desire for a new home unfolds in the coming months!
Laughing, Michele. I know for certain if/when we move will be in God’s timing rather than my own. I’ll keep you updated though! 😉
Jeanne and Michele, I commented separately, but when I saw your reply to Michele, Jeanne, I had to chime in! One of my deepest desires would be to move back to Maine. I miss the ocean waves, the fall storms, rainy days and green fields and pine trees, but I know, here in Colorado is best for me at this time. I have often thought about why I miss Maine so much and know it’s because it’s where I grew up and my children grew up there, too. It’s home. Much of it is surely looking back to a time that in retrospect seems rather idyllic, but really wasn’t. I think it’s also a little like C.S. Lewis’ description of a place we yearn for. Of course my place is a place I’ve been and Lewis was talking about one we’ve never actually been to, but I think the yearning is similar and should really point us to our yearning for our true home with Christ. Thanks, for your insights, Jeanne. Hope to see you soon!
Kathy, isn’t it interesting how we sometimes miss what we knew first? And you’re right…sometimes the reason we want to go back to that place is because of the memories and feelings we had when we were there. Everything changes though, doesn’t it? And yes, may our yearnings always point us to our yearnings for our true home. Great insight, friend!
Jeanne, good morning! After all we’ve experienced the last two years, that simple gift of presence seems more priceless thsn ever.
I’m guessing many of us are longing to receive this experience … and don’t even know it.
Linda, first, I’m sorry. Somehow, your comment ended up in spam. 😳 I believe you’re right. Especially after months of isolation from each other, the gift of presence fills the soul, doesn’t it?
Gratitude helps keep discontentment at bay :). I probably struggle the most with feeling discontent when I think about our local church—but I’m not willing to get deeply involved to make it better. I need to either start being thankful or roll up my sleeves and get to work!
Anita, yes and amen to gratitude helping with discontented hearts! May God show you exactly how He wants you to be involved in your local church. Rolling up our sleeves and getting to work is a good way to begin change—in others’ lives and in our own. 🙂
Sometimes it helps me to remember that what we consider basic today would have been thought luxurious 100 years ago. But what helps most is Scripture about contentment and trusting that God will give what we truly need. And realizing how much I already have.
Barbara, remembering what you shared here is a great way to keep an accurate perspective about our stuff and what we have/think we “need” today. Yes, Bible verses about contentment help us redirect our hearts back to the essence of who God is, don’t they? Thanks for sharing what helps you maintain a heart of contentment!