Cultivating Contentment

As a military spouse, something will always challenge your contentment.

Maybe it’s an unwanted PCS (Permanent Change of Station), a too-brief R&R, substandard housing, or deployment. Christian contentment doesn’t mean you always love your circumstances. It means you find satisfaction in God as your Provider. It’s not about what happens; it’s about whom we trust. This kind of contentment doesn’t naturally spring up within our hearts. We must deliberately cultivate it.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NKJV).

Plant generously.

Whenever a fresh trial comes up in your life, plant seeds of contentment, not bitterness.

1. Bring your requests to God.
   If something is bothering you, the first step always is to pray about it.
2. Remember who is ultimately in control.
   Yes, other people may make decisions directly affecting you, but no one can thwart the will of God.
3. Practice gratitude.
   It’s impossible to be content without also being grateful for what you have. To help train your heart in this area, keep a “Gratitude Journal”—jot at least a few things every day for which you’re thankful.

Water frequently.

Planting isn’t enough. We must also nurture our attitudes of contentment.

1. Focus on the right things.
   Instead of dwelling on problems, shift your focus to that which encourages and edifies instead.
2. Ask for God’s strength.
   Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). We need that supernatural strength.
3. Trust God’s plan.
   When you can’t see where your life is going, or why, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).

Weed vigorously.

Mercilessly and without hesitation, yank any thoughts from your mind that have their root in bitterness. These weeds can choke out contentment.

1. Jealousy.
   If you find yourself coveting what someone else has, go back to your Gratitude Journal for a reminder of all of God’s blessings.
2. Entitlement.
   Anything we have is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, but because He’s so generous. Let’s be content with the gifts He’s given us rather than telling Him we’re entitled to more.

Reap abundantly.

When we cultivate contentment by planting the seeds, watering them, and weeding out jealousy and entitlement, the Holy Spirit will faithfully complete the work in us and cause our contentment to flourish.