Christians are commanded to be content.
Paul said contentment was something he learned.
Therefore, we are commanded to learn contentment.
How to be Content
Learning to be content involves head, heart, and hands (what we think, say, and do).
Head
1.God is sovereign. Everything (good and bad) is under His control. (See Chapters 2 -5, When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready?)
2. God knows everything and is everywhere. Everything. Everywhere. (See Chapter 1, especially pages 21-22, When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready?)
3. God loves His children with an infinite, everlasting love. (See Chapters 7-9, When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready?)
God is in control of everybody and everything all the time. He allows evil for the moment, but He controls its limits and its consequences. His incomprehensible, enormous love for His children means He is with us, sustaining us through our hard times, and that He uses our circumstances for good.
To make that knowledge yours, you must study the Bible for yourself. Determine to spend thoughtful, prayerful, and frequent time in God’s Word.
Heart
The next step is to absorb that truth into your heart, to make God’s character a core part of your being.
4. Memorize His Word.
5. Meditate on His Word.
6. Determine to believe Him. (Believe what He says, not “just” believe in Him.)
7. Determine to trust Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. (Proverbs 3:5)
Trust is the key for contentment. Trust is based on head knowledge, and trust works itself out through what we think, say, and do.
Hands (what we think, say, and do)
8. Surrender to God and delight in His will. He knows what is best. Determine to accept His will in your situation, and don’t seek to get your own way.
9. In everything gives thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
10. Ask Him how He wants you to love Him and love your neighbor through this time. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. (Philippians 4:5)
This situation is God’s will for you (but, please note that God may want you to work to improve your circumstances. You can be content as you work!).
Practice
Head, Heart, and Hands reinforce each other. As you increasingly know God, you increasingly want to serve Him. As your knowledge of Him becomes deeper and permeates your heart and your life, you trust Him more. And all that brings joy and contentment to you, moment by moment.
Reality Check
Watch yourself for discontent. When you notice an emotion signaling discontent, for example, irritation or sadness, confess it and confront it.
Intentionally take yourself through the steps in head, heart, and hands.
Determine to trust your almighty, loving God.
Be content!
