Sometimes I struggle with being content. There are certain circumstances in my life that I don’t particularly like. At this time, I can’t change them. I’m held captive in the here and now. Struggling to free my tied hands. Chafing to do something that will bring about the change I feel I need. Frustrated. Discontent.

One day I realized I was discontent with my discontentment. I was unhappy with my unhappiness. Something had to change. And it had to be me. Have you ever been there?

I knew I needed to get to the root of my dissatisfaction. Oh, the list! It looked like my endless childhood Christmas lists. For the sake of time and space, I will only share three:

Wants/Desires
There is something that I have determined in my heart to have…and I want it now. My heart longs for it. Scripture tells me that temptation comes from my desires, which lure me away (James 1:14 NLT). From what? From my intimate walk with God.

What I desire is not necessarily sinful, but the greed and selfishness that grow while trying to finagle my destiny sure are. When I allow this sinful nature to blossom in me, I take my eyes off Christ, who alone will fill all my needs and desires. I allow this desire to become my idol.

Comparison
All my friends have it! I want it too! Why can’t I be like them? In writing, I’ve learned to call this yardsticking. Comparing my chapter one to her book series. Never mind that she’s worked twice as long and hard than I have.

Jesus Himself warns against this. Peter was concerned about what was happening with another disciple. Jesus tells him in John 21:22, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (NASB)

My job isn’t to look around and see where everyone else is, my job is to follow Christ.

Forgetfulness
In my state of discontent, I forget to be thankful for what I do have, how far I’ve come. Hebrews 13:5 says be content with what you have. And James 1:17 reminds me that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.” I need to remember to be thankful!

What’s your satisfaction level? Are your desires running amok? Or are you content with what you have? Join me on the blog this month. I’ll be talking contentment! Next week, we will begin looking at ways to be content.

Grace be with you,

 

 

 

This post originally appeared in 2014.