Given that we are on the verge of Thanksgiving, it seems reasonable to consider gratitude’s impact on contentment. While spending quality time with family and friends is always beneficial, reflection on the many blessings God has bestowed upon us is likewise critical. When we cultivate the perspective of gratitude from these contemplations, we find true contentment. The magnitude of things we ought to thank God includes everything from the little material blessings to the largest spiritual ones. For instance, we can be grateful for the paper we used to write on. On the other end of the spectrum, we can thank God for the most significant spiritual blessings, such as salvation through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Then, of course, there are numerous things in between that we can address, such as food, shelter, clothes, family, friends, health, and the list goes on and on.
It is such an attitude of gratitude that continually bolsters our disposition to be content. At least a handful of Bible verses offer us insight into why this is valuable, but ultimately they appear to point in the same general direction. Such understanding ought to provoke us to value God above everything else and recognize that He is everything. Without God, we are nothing, but if we put Him first, He is always faithful to provide us with exactly what we need (2 Corinthians 9:8). You and I may have an idea of what we feel would best suit us from our finite perspective, but God in His infinite wisdom knows what is best for us regarding His eternal plans and our eternal well-being (Romans 8:28). Thus, even in our gratitude, there ought to be an understanding that we value God Himself as our greatest treasure and not His provisions, no matter how wonderful some of those might be.
“6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NKJV)
Contentment is particularly beneficial in getting rid of our worldly ambitions and replacing them with a desire to serve God. Instead of always trying to figure out our own best interests; it would be preferable to think about the future with a Biblical lens. It is this kind of lens that positions us to consider things from the vantage point of eternity. Of course, there is a place to enjoy things such as leisure, comfort, luxury, and personal care, but when these things become essential in our eyes, they can turn into hazardous distractions. Rather than serving to improve your life, they could hinder your focus away from God and cause you to stumble into idolatry. As such, we need to pray God would help free us from the love of money, which is the root of all kinds of evil. Likewise, it would benefit us greatly to diminish our love for the things of this world while our love for God and His Word increases.
Thanksgiving tradition emphasizes gratitude, but we should live a lifestyle of thankfulness daily. Furthermore, when we focus our attention on Jesus Christ, we find satisfaction that leads to contentment. When we rest our joy on our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that no one will ever be able to take it away. Everything and everyone else can pass away, be lost, or even get stolen from us. Meanwhile, our joy centered in our Lord and Savior will remain now and forever. Our happiness can fluctuate up and down based on the consistent changes we experience on this side of Heaven. However, no matter how chaotic it may appear externally, God will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Jesus Christ will always be there to lead the way for us as the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Nothing else on the face of the earth can offer such certainty amid uncertain circumstances in the tumultuous world in which all of us currently reside.
If you are suffering, struggling, or otherwise do not feel as though you have a lot to be thankful for, I encourage you to take comfort in God and His Word. It does not matter if you are facing a health issue, financial crisis, mental health problems, or your family relations are in turmoil. You may even be out of strength to fight the battle on your own, and the solution may not seem obvious to you. However, God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). I want to encourage you that even if you cannot handle the trials, God will give you the help you need. Take a step of faith and start with prayer. Shift your attention to God and His Word instead of your battles. Soon you will realize that He will lift you in due time and help you confront your issues with strength, wisdom, confidence, and joy, among His other numerous provisions. It is critical to ask for His help in each of the problems you are facing in faith and obedience (Hebrews 11:6). Take a step in the right direction with His help. It does not have to be a giant one but start by getting the ball rolling with minor victories. Eventually, you will make progress as long as you do not grow weary in doing right (Galatians 6:9).
Sometimes if we want a significant shift in our lives, God may require us to make substantial changes. Ponder what those might be and seek God’s insight. Sit and listen to God through prayer and Bible study. It is only a matter of time before your next action step becomes clear to you. Don’t get stung by analysis paralysis because of too many areas demanding your attention. Perhaps instead of multitasking in such a situation, it would be prudent to consider prioritizing everything and addressing each issue accordingly, one at a time from most to least integral. We all only have 24 hours each day, and some of our struggles will require incremental adjustments to make progress. For example, if you plan to get out of financial struggles, you may need to set a budget and adjust your spending habits. It may take significant time for you to see substantial progress, but this kind of consideration would likely bear fruit if you exercise discipline and self-control over a sustained time horizon
Suffice it to say that in all circumstances, we need to find contentment as Paul did. He was imprisoned in a dungeon that likely makes modern prisons look like five-star hotel accommodations. But in all of this, he remained faithful, and God never abandoned him (Philippians 4:11-13). If God helped Paul, He could come through for you too. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer and wielding a willingness to obey God’s commands. In every circumstance, you find yourself in, and in every concern you have, make your requests known to God with thanksgiving in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). There’s no need to be anxious, worried, or afraid of an uncertain future when you serve the one true God with certainty (Matthew 6:34). After all, we should know and trust that He is sovereign over everything and provides us all we need. If nothing else, all of us believers can find real and lasting contentment in Jesus Christ. When we do, we will realize that everything else is trivial by comparison. Furthermore, He intends to bless us with peace, hope, and a future in Him forever (Jeremiah 29:11).
