Contentment

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Many in our culture today spend countless hours occupying their minds with music, media, podcasts, reels, television, movies, and more. The question is, why? Why do we feel some incessant need to continually fill our minds with different forms of information or entertainment? 

While there are a number of possible answers to questions such as these, one of the most likely ones is that people are not content, so they seek to experience some form of contentment. One person may pursue drugs or alcohol to numb their lack of contentment while another may browse social media. While one may suffer greater physical consequences, both will experience spiritual and emotional consequences. This is because we can never findreal contentment in this way. Instead, we must identify what exactly is getting in the way of our experiencing personal contentment. 

In the new family of Jesus, we do not seek to find contentment in the ways of the world. Instead, we intentionally and purposefully practice being content because of what Christ has given us. We remember that His grace is sufficient. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     PHILIPPIANS 4:2-13, 2 CORINTHIANS 12:5-10 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Fill in the blank: I will experience contentment when ____________________. Be honest, will this thing really lead you to experience contentment? 

DIGGING DEEPER: What may be one way you can practice being content at all times and in all situations today? Over the next week? Month? Write it down, and then begin practicing it today.

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I recognize I am discontent, yet I struggle to identify exactly why I am discontent. Instead of doing the hard work to identify what may be leading to these feelings, I numb my life and spend my time doing things which are meaningless. Continue to help me see all the ways I may be seeking to find contentment outside of You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.