I'm in this with you, girl

It’s also the time to give!  I seriously love picking out the perfect present for everybody on my list, and watching their face as they open it up on Christmas morning.

Read: How & Why to Give Generously

But we’re humans, right?  We love to receive gifts as well!  And in this culture, we almost always have a wish list, no matter the time of year.  At least I do. #guilty

But first, this week we are focusing on being thankful.  We are so blessed, and I’m grateful we have a day of Thanksgiving to focus on those blessings.

But what if all year round, we were content?  Not just thankful for what we  have, but content with it as well.  Meaning, if we didn’t receive anything else, we would be content.  We wouldn’t focus our happiness on future purchases or gifts.

We would quit the mindset of, “If I only got _____, then I would be happy”  or “When I get _____, I won’t want anything else.”  From my experience, there is always something more that you want, even when you receive that one thing you’ve been wanting.  For example, this has happened to me a lot lately.  First it was a camera, then it was a certain sweatshirt, now it is a laptop.

It’s an endless cycle.  After every purchase, “If I only got _____, then I would be happy”.  If you ask me, that is not a good way to live.  And I don’t think that’s how God intended for us to live.  Once I purchase my laptop (I do have legitimate reasons for wanting it 😉), I’m going to want something else.

And you know, this doesn’t just apply to material things.  It could be relationship status, a job promotion, or a degree.

So how do you stay content?  How do you enjoy the things you have, joyfully, without focusing on what you don’t have?  I have some tips for you!

pin this to Pinterest!

How to Be Content

1. Don’t place your joy in worldly things

Don’t let things in this world determine your joy.  Happiness can be found in this world, but it’s temporary.  True joy is found in Jesus, and is everlasting.  Find your joy in Jesus, and not what you have or want, and I know you’ll be more content. (Psalm 4:7)

I think this is also a good time to point out that your worth is not found in worldly things either, but in Jesus.

2. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness

The end of Matthew 6 talks about trusting God for your needs.  Verse 33 says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  We need to seek God and His face, and we can be content with what He gives us. (Matthew 6:31-33)

3. Shift your focus

Pretty straightforward, but instead of focusing on what you want, focus on what you do have.  Focus on Jesus.  Focus on what truly matters in eternity. (Colossians 3:2)

Read: How to Live Eternity Focused

4. Rest in God’s strength

Paul gives us the secret to being content in Philippians 4!  You probably know Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  But do you know the context of the verse?  Paul is talking about how he has learned the secret of being content.  He can be content with whatever he has through Christ who strengthens him. (Philippians 4:10-13)

So rest in God’s strength.  He can help you to be content.

5. Rejoice in the Lord

Thank Him for all He has done, given you, and most importantly, for who He is.  Being thankful and praising Jesus helps to keep you focused on Him and what He has blessed you with, rather than what you want. (Philippians 4:4)

Well I hope that encouraged you!  I know that I was absolutely talking to myself when writing this.  It can be difficult to be content, especially during the holiday season when everybody is getting the latest and greatest things.

Do you have a tip on remaining content?  Which of these tips is your favorite?  I’d love to hear from you!!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Tags : contentment, devotion, encouragement, giving