The Secret to True Contentment

Finding Joy and Contentment in Christ Alone

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Photo by Viktor Jakovlev on Unsplash

There’s something that I’ve always struggled with - contentment.

There, I said it.

I know that believers are supposed to be content, but I’ve always struggled with the idea that where I’m at and what I’m doing right now is supposed to fill my cup.

Perhaps it has something to do with being raised in a single-parent family. Times were tough growing up with two siblings and the weight of the world on our shoulders. My mother did a great job raising us, but there was always this idea that tomorrow was uncertain.

I remember making choices in my life thinking, tomorrow wasn’t certain, so I’m going to live my best life today. That might be a great way to live for some, it often means that there’s no plan for tomorrow.

I remember being told that if you don’t prepare to win, you prepare to fail.

As an adult with multiple jobs, projects, and groups vying for my attention, I often think, what am I doing this for? Is it for God, for me, for my wife, for the church, for the world?

If not, then who?

If you’re in a similar place today, know that you are not alone.

Grab a cup of coffee, and let's take a look at how we can find contentment and lasting joy in Christ.

Trusting God

There have been times in my life when it was back-against-the-wall-make-a-choice-now kind of moments, and let me tell you, it was scary. It was easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed.

I’m reminded of Job’s story. Despite losing everything dear to him, Job remained steadfast in his trust in God’s sovereignty.

He declared, "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2, NIV).

I want to be like Job and find contentment in surrendering to God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.

For some Pastors, they start and serve at a church for their entire ministry. Others, have seasons of here, there, and a little of everywhere.

I’ve had the privledge of serving at 3 churches since I was 15 years old.

There’s a weight that’s placed on the leader of the home to follow God’s leading and bring your family (in my case my wife) to a church where we can be in community and grow in our faith.

Before deciding to join our current church, I wrestled with the decision. Everything looked good and I was getting to know the Pastor, his family, and the church family. Still, I was cautious because of my past experience.

I had to stop my overactive brain and remember that God has a plan. Not every open door is one you should walk through. This one, I knew could only have been orchestrated by God.

We joined the church almost 10 years ago, and God has continued to add to us. Today, serving God is a joy - even when things are challenging - I can honestly say, I’m trusting God with this season and He will lead us if and when that season ends.

There is so much freedom in trusting God like this.

Cultivate Gratitude

One thing that helps me to center my thoughts and look at the positive side is to cultivate gratitude. This has a lot to do with counting your blessings.

Take a moment to think about all the ways God has blessed you—your family, your friends, your home, and your church.

The apostle Paul exhorts us, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). Whether in times of plenty or times of scarcity, there is always something to be thankful for.

Finances are challenging for every person and marriage. When we struggle with financial decisions (and being in ministry - there’s been a few), we cultivate gratitude by remembering that we’ve always had a roof over our heads, there’s always been food on our table, and we’ve always had a place to grow and serve.

In essence, we have everything we need. Not everything we want. There is a difference.

I want so many things, but I have everything I need.

Prioritize Spiritual Growth

Everyone in our world seems to value material wealth and success. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of earthly treasures. But Jesus reminds us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV).

True contentment comes from prioritizing spiritual growth and investing in the things that have eternal significance.

Every year, our church does a two week long fast. Everyone is encouraged to fast in their own way. Whether they choose food, media, or something else, we are all encouraged to seek God’s heart instead of our own pleasures during this time.

It’s amazing the ways God shows up when you’re denying yourself. It’s almost like the static is gone, and you can finally hear God’s voice clearly.

The reality is that you can hear Him clearly, because you’ve removed the obstacles.

This practice spills into other areas of my life.

If there’s a big decision to make, I will fast.

Sometimes it’s for a day, sometimes it’s a week. I don’t always fast food, but the important thing is that whatever I’m giving up, I replace with time focusing on God.

You Are Enough

Have you ever felt like you're never "enough"? No matter how hard you try, you always fall short?

The good news is that in Christ, we are complete.

The apostle Paul writes, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV).

Our value comes from Christ alone, not from our possessions or achievements.

He’s the one that makes us valuable.

In fact, when we talk about redemption, I think of a transaction. When you purchase an item, and exchange happens. You give what you value, for something you value more. Christ gave himself, for something He valued more, us.

Know that if you were the only person that needed saving, God still would have sent His son Jesus, to save you.

You are worth that much!

Practice Generosity

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35, NIV).

There have been many times when I’ve looked at my own finances and thought, “I don’t have the money to feed myself, how can I be generous?”

Let me tell you. There’s always something we can do, give, or provide that will help someone else.

Sometimes the best gift you can give someone is time.

As a pastor, I meet with people every week that struggle with contentment in some way. When I look at their life, I wonder how their life would change if they saw themselves like Christ sees them.

Helping someone else, mentoring, serving and being the hands and feet of Jesus brings me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

Remember, true joy and contentment are found in Jesus. When we trust in God, cultivate a heart of gratitude, prioritize our spiritual growth, find our value in Christ, practice generosity, we unlock the secret to lasting contentment.

I want to leave you with a heartfelt reminder that you are not alone.

Whether you're riding the highs or navigating the valleys, remember that I'm here for you. It's my joy and privilege to walk alongside you, offering support, encouragement, and prayer for our community.

If you’d like to connect, drop me a note in the comments.

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