"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content"
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Contentment is hard.
It is hard to be content when we have such big dreams. It's hard to be content when we've seen great things. It's hard to be content, for goodness sake, when Instagram reminds us daily how much we don't have.
We don't have a boyfriend. We don't have that dream closet. We don't have that amazing testimony. We don't have those spectacular experiences.
When I look back at this year (especially last spring), I see a lot of discontentment.
Why?
Because I wanted to be back in Disney. I wanted to be off on the next adventure off to NYC or Europe. I wanted to be somewhere else.
Oh, so very badly.
And so, to numb the discontentment, I pursued aimlessness. Pursue is too strong of a verb. I resorted to aimlessness.
I think that I mistook that aimlessness, that complacency, for contentment. I deceived myself into contentment, not because I found my contentment in something greater than Disney or adventures, but because I ignored my troubles and blocked out the discontent thoughts with media, busyness, and temporary fixes.
I settled. Settled for a dulled soul and distracted mind. Instead of facing my disappointment and shortcomings, I went on Instagram and browsed pictures of Disney. Instead of puzzling out my thoughts and talking to God, I planned the future and dwelt on what might come.
That's not contentment, not godly contentment.
What is godly contentment, then?
I believe godly contentment to be satisfaction in Jesus, untainted by our circumstances. Contentment is to find joy in Jesus in times of excitement, plenty, normality, or struggles. Contentment is much more about Jesus than it is about what we do or do not have.
I also find that contentment leads to action. Because contentment focuses on the sufficiency of Christ, it will lead us to follow Christ's ways and kingdom. Contentment isn't sitting still and feeling good about our place in life. Contentment is standing up, no matter how hard it is, and living in a way that worships Jesus. It is a life of action, not reaction.
"Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith."
1 Timothy 6:11-12
I can't help but think of the scene in The Incredibles where Helen realizes that Bob is not on a business trip. She assumes that he's off with some other women and starts to melt in tears and self-pity.
Edna Mode, then, hits Helen on the head with a rolled up newspaper.
"Go, confront the problem. Fight! Win!"
Let's channel our inner Edna Mode and slap our discontentment on the head with the Word of God. Let's roll up our sleeves and start to fight with Christ the envy, laziness, and selfishness lurking in our hearts. With our hearts firmly planted in the love of God, let His power grow us in joy, purpose, and contentment. For we will find in Him far more than anything we discontently long for.
Much love,
Princess Hannah
" believe godly contentment to be satisfaction in Jesus, untainted by our circumstances." This line gets me. It's funny how you never realize what a situation is like for yourself until your reading something like this. Glad to have read this dear. Your blog always brings me encouragement. Glad to see you posting more often! Missed ya!
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