Discontentment
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Beloved,
How often do you wake up discontent? Do you wake up to see all the things that are wrong with the world? As we open our eyes each day, the fight for contentment begins.
My bed is so uncomfortable, and my husband’s snoring kept me up all night.
Why do I have to do so many loads of laundry? I don’t even like my clothes.
How is it possible that every child could live their shoes out?
Why is it raining again?
My boss expects why too much from us and they need to hire more help.
Your eyes open and the battle for contentment begins. As one Christian grandmother aptly noted, “We want every little detail under our control to bend to our expectations. Then, of course, there are things beyond our control, life changing trials that disrupt our lives…Large and small things wield the power to destroy contentment.” Discontentment is a universal problem.
In recent survey, it was shown that 2/3 of Americans were dissatisfied with their lives. Some are discontent with their homes, others with their jobs and bank accounts and others with our relationships. And although the survey was focusing on the broader American culture, discontentment is very prevalent in churches across the nation.
Where do you fight discontentment in the church? The music is too loud or too traditional or not traditional enough or there is no choir or the screens move to fast or they don’t move fast enough. The preaching is too long or not practical enough or not engaging or does not address enough doctrine or social issues. Or maybe you feel discontent because there is no one your age or people aren’t reaching out to you or you haven’t been invited out to lunch?
My point is that there are hundreds of things that can bring discontentment. It is easy to be discontent, but it is supernatural to be content. The Apostle Paul said, “…for I have learned whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:12-13). You can find contentment in Christ. You may not have all that you want, but if you have Christ, you have all that you need.
One of the best ways to fight against discontentment is to cultivate a thankful heart. If only see what is negative and what is wrong with things or people, we will always be discontent. If we look for things we are grateful for in our church and in our families and in the people in our lives, we will find more contentment. Discontentment is natural, but we are called to live supernatural lives. Ask God for a grateful heart. Ask God for contentment. Be satisfied in Christ.