“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6
Contentment often slips out the back door as dissatisfaction strolls in the front. Our “just happy to be alive” life can turn for the worst when relationships suffer, plans fail, and security is threatened. When our lives stall or get stuck, comparing, questioning or complaining invites discontentment into our home.
Perfect example…we finally settle in to wait out winter and spring comes knocking on the door. Cabin fever sets in. We get fidgety and start noticing the dust and disarray collected during hibernation.
The seasonal urge to deep clean arises and we realize our furnishings could stand some TLC. We’re inspired to get some new gadgets & gizmos and the cute little lamp we saw on sale. So, we stop and go shop.
Our list soon outgrows our budget, which scolds us right in the middle of the Easter bunnies and baskets isle, “Whoa! Take it easy! You can’t afford that stuff right now!” We park the cart and mope and mumble while trudging home with a fresh bag of discontent and the cute lamp we justified because it was on sale. I’ve been there done that and it’s exasperating. Gratefully, God calls me out on it and, recently, reminded me while I was praying (and complaining).
It was plain and clear:
“Beth, you are discontent.”
I couldn’t debate or deny the truth. I sweated and squirmed as He pulled the cheap, sticky bandage off my wounded, whining heart right where I sulked. I’ve been dwelling more on what I’ve lost, suffered, and haven’t accomplished than on what I’ve gained, survived and seen completed. I’m mourning who or what is missing instead of enjoying who or what is present.
Remembering Purpose
Discontentment grows like an intruding vine that suffocates, constricts and squeezes the life right out of us. As a result, it drains peace and productivity from our homes.
It was always my dream to be a wife and homemaker and I found joy and fulfillment in it. Lately though, life’s distractions have clouded my purpose. I’ve felt detoured, disheartened, defeated, discouraged and depressed to the point of forgetting things that were important to me like:
- why I want to please God and my husband
- the kind of simple and orderly home I desire
- why I want a balanced life
- the reason I love and care for others
- how much I enjoy homemaking, hospitality and gardening
Discontentment has taken me far from my desired destination. So, I’m turning my bicycle around and peddling back to my purpose.
Readjusting Perspective
Contentment changes perspective and allows us to breathe without the burdens of regret, envy, jealousy, and condemnation. It can readjust our attitudes and help us accept our situations.
Resetting Priorities
When situations change, we must reevaluate and reset our priorities. Scripture reminds us to refocus:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have:
for He hath said, I will never leave thee, not forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
I’m remembering three things that have helped me regain my contentment:
- Growing in Grace – II Peter 3:17-18
- Growing in Gratitude – Colossians 3:15
- Growing in Giving – 1John 3:17
With God’s grace and restored gratitude, I believe we can all see the difference between wants and necessities and find true contentment at home.
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” I Timothy 6:8
Bring It Home
Are you feeling discontent right now?
Does your home or heart need to change?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Sweet Beth, thank you for reminding me of things I need to be careful of. Sometimes by doing this we are blessed to not have these things creep into our lives like thieves in the night.
Thank you for reading and replying Constance.
I’m also grateful for God’s gentle reminders. We are blessed.
Smiles, BRC