Cultivating a Heart of Contentment | Life Designer University -- Discontentment breeds comparison and comparison robs you of so much joy. Learn how to cultivate contentment and the heart of gratitude in every season. Click to read now and download t…

“Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy, it’s the thief of everything.”

— Lara Casey

Have you ever heard of a truer statement? Comparison breeds so much discouragement, discontentment, and disapproval. Born from a place of ingratitude, it reminds you all that you’re not and everything that you lack.

Consumerism and comparison have a way of making us covet the lifestyle and things we wish we had. Whether it be money, a career, a relationship, a certain lifestyle, we can always think of all the things we want in comparison to what we have. But those things were never meant to satisfy us in the first place. The truth is, we’re always going to desire more because our hearts were originally made in the context of perfection, Eden. But just because we do desire more doesn’t mean that we can’t be content with the things that be.

Paul shows us how we can cultivate contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I was ever in need, for I l have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ that gives me strength.”Paul had every right to be discontent. He was in prison, wrongfully being persecuted for his faith in Christ, but yet he still found reasons to be grateful. Although he had every reason to be depressed, discouraged, and discontent, he remained hopeful and faithful because he had mastered the heart of contentment. He didn’t look for contentment in the world; he looked for contentment in Christ. One of the dangerous things we can do is look for our source of contentment in our situations rather than Christ.

The dangers of discontentment

When we look to our money, possessions, people, and situations for contentment, we risk the danger of making these things our altar; making these things our gods; and can I tell you, my friend? This is a dangerous place to be.

Money, people, possessions, and success were never meant to supply your deep-seated needs. These things cannot and will not provide you with peace, joy, or the answers you need to live a purposeful life. Possessions aren’t meant to satisfy your thirst. Situations aren’t meant to provide peace. Money isn’t meant to determine your wealth. These things you are seeking can only be found in Christ. So how can we cultivate contentment with our portion in life?

Cleanse yourself from comparison.

We all know that comparison is the thief of all joy. It’s nearly impossible to be joyful and content when you are constantly comparing your life to something or someone else. When I find myself caving into comparison, I turn to Galatians 6:4, “Pay careful attention to your own work for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” It is within this verse that we are reminded that we get the best satisfaction when we are focused on our own lives and the things that God is calling us to do.

Create a posture of humility.

Contentment isn’t found in possessions, accolades, or rewards. It’s found in the process of humbling yourself before God. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” If you’re praying to God for more or for Him to enlarge your territory, the best way that you can show him that you’re content and ready for promotion is to humble yourself before Him and steward what He’s already given you. That is key to promotion in the Kingdom.

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Humility is the foundation of a thankful heart, and a thankful heart can be cultivated by showing gratitude toward what God has already given you. Gratitude is practiced by exchanging scarcity for abundance. The reality is that no, maybe you don’t have all that you want, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t focus and appreciate what you already do. This is the attitude of gratitude: realizing that what you have is more than enough.

Rest in God’s Provision.

Because God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider, you can rest assured that all of your needs will be met. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:19 that God will take care of all of our needs from His riches and glory, and we know that if we seek Him first, He will give us everything we need. (See Matthew 6:35) If you’re struggling with contentment, ask yourself if you truly trust in His provision.

Seek satisfaction and strength in Christ.

At the end of the day, this world is fading away, and all of the people and things are fading away with it (Matthew 6:19-21), but the one thing about God’s Word is that it remains the same. It’s consistent. When people and situations fail us, the novelty of the new wears off, and our banks account runs dry, we can put our hope and faith in the thoroughness and consistency of Christ. While life and situations change, He remains the same. He is where we get our satisfaction and strength.

Looking for contentment in your life and situations leads to a dead end. Seeking contentment in Christ leads to life fulfilled. Instead of wishing your season away, thank Him for the daily gifts you’ve been given. Although you may not be where you want to be or have everything that you would like to have, the best thing you can do is to cultivate a heart of contentment and thanksgiving where God has you right now.