Why is Contentment Elusive?

Contentment can evaporate quickly. We tend to compare other people’s lives to our own. We desire something other than the life we live.

The desires can be small, like wanting the newest electronic gadget or feeling jealous when someone else gets a different car. The desires can be large, like feeling overlooked when a friend gets the promotion you desired, or finds themselves in a happy relationship when you are lonely.

Everyday we are bombarded with cultural pleas for discontentment through advertising, through constant comparisons, and dissatisfaction with our stage in life.

Why is contentment elusive? Is it an illusion?

Jesus speaks gentle words encouraging us to look to Him for our contentment.

The Lord is with us, right where we are.

Rather than chasing the things of this world, he tells us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6).

Instead of worrying about what we will eat, drink or wear, Jesus reminds us to notice how the heavenly Father takes care of creation and to  seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:25-34).

Even with Jesus’ instruction, contentment slips out of reach like a flitting butterfly.

We have a choice in searching for contentment—desiring temporary possessions or status, or looking to the Lord.

The greatest lesson a soul has to learn is that God, and God alone is enough for all its needs. This is the lesson that all God’s dealings with us are meant to teach, and this is the crowning discovery of our entire Christian life. God is enough! ~  from God is Enough by Hannah Whitall Smith

My heart can quickly move from contentment to discontentment. My eyes make the difference—what is the source of my focus. When I look to the Lord, I find more peace than when I look elsewhere.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 NIV

Are you struggling with comparison and lack of contentment?

If so, check your focus and the desires of your heart.

 

When we look to the Lord, we can say “It is well with my soul” and discover the source of contentment.

 

What consumes your vision, blurring contentment?