1. Remembering to be grateful for what I do have.
2. Giving to, or doing for someone else. When I put my focus on someone else’s problem I’m not so consumed with my own needs and problems.
3. Prayer. If I know I’m going to be in a situation that may stir up discontent, such as shopping or visiting a more affluent friend, I pray before I go that my thoughts and feelings would be pleasing to God…..that I would be more focused on being a friend than wanting what my friend has.
4. Share your struggles with a friend---she’ll probably share her struggles with you and you could become accountability partners.
Family Ministry Counseling - Family Brief articles answering questions on family matters and parenting. Authored by Director of Counseling and Support Ministries, Dee Goar.
Article: Contentment
I know God has blessed me, and I’m not really miserable, but we live in a very affluent area and I struggle with being satisfied. This is starting to be a problem between me and my husband.
You are not alone. I have met so many other women who struggle with a feeling of discontent. We live in such a consumer oriented society and are constantly bombarded with information about new products and things we “need” to purchase. It is so easy to want more and bigger; to think, I’ll be content if I can just have this or that. Sometimes it makes me wonder who is dictating my level of contentment. Who am I allowing to tell me what I have to have to be complete, successful and satisfied???
Coveting is an addiction to things that don’t last and a craving for things that don’t really matter. An unsatisfied heart in a life with much blessing is a sin. As long as we allow this craving to dominate our hearts we will be denied inner peace.
Contentment is learning to want what you already have. Ultimately, there is no true contentment apart from knowing, loving, and desiring to follow Christ. The apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:12-13). Paul is telling us to keep our focus on Christ and what He wants for our life, instead of our neighbor’s remodeled kitchen or new car.
Some things I’ve found helpful to fight discontent are:
As women we set the tone for our homes. We can model a spirit of contentment or of discontent and self pity. Our attitudes are contagious.
CONTENTMENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHOSE WE ARE.
Every one of us can benefit from looking at this issue and praying for the peace and complete satisfaction only Christ Himself can bring.
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