Have you ever struggled with hidden discontentment?
Just because you are smack dab in the middle of a good job, wonderful relationship or marriage doesn’t mean you are feeling contentment. How can that be?
For the month of August, I’m talking about the questions people ask me during mentoring conversations over a cup of coffee. In the last two blogs I talked about Discernment and Details. Today let’s look at Discontentment.
Jayme, how can I move forward and get rid of these terrible feelings of discontentment? Why is this always coming up in our conversation and in my thoughts?
Here’s the good news.
God has the answers.
Discontentment is a heart issue that can be changed.
The solution is simple if you are willing to take the next step forward.
Let’s look at the “5 W’s and 1 H” of discontentment.
WHO
Who do you really trust? God alone has the best plan for your life. Only He can give you genuine contentment and peace.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. At that time, you will call out for Me, and I will hear. You will pray, and I will listen.”
Solution: Change who you trust. Totally trust and rely on God.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie ten Boon
WHAT
What is your focus? Do you focus on what you lack?
Did you know focusing on what you don’t have will only keep you discontented and restless?
Solution: Change your focus from the negative to an attitude of gratitude.
WHERE
Where do you run to get unstuck? Running to ungodly friends or bad counsel will not help you.
Solution: Change where you run for answers and hope. Run to God. Find a godly mentor.
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled:”Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the godly run to him and are safe.”
WHEN
When will you surrender it all to God? Are you waiting for just the right time or one special moment?
If you look at your life from God’s point of view your eyes will be opened to see your identity in Him.
Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone and give it all to God.
Solution: Change from standing still to moving forward. Be obedient. Step out and experience God.
WHY
Why have you allowed your discontentment to permeate your thoughts and emotions?
God did not intend for you to do life alone. Jesus desires to be your source of life and hope. Scripture encourages the followers of Christ to live authentically and do life together.
Solution: Change from doing life alone to reaching out to Christ and His followers.
John 1:4 “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”
HOW
How do I do this? How will I ever conquer this?
God knew letting go would be very hard so He encourages you and I to learn to be content.
Solution: Change your thinking and LEARN to be content.
Philippians 4: 12-13 “I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.”
It all begins with you and I honestly praying to God and asking Him to take control of every ounce of our life. One small prayer. One small step forward. One day at a time. One breath. One heartbeat. One hope.
Give God your discontentment.
Give God your anger for what you think you want…don’t want… or deserve.
Give God your fear of…
Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.”
Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing people change their lives right in front of my eyes because they made the conscience choice to learn and grow in Christ. When we learn and apply God’s Word to our lives scripture promises us there will be blessings to the fullest.
Isaiah 55:11 “so also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it. Jesus Christ is sufficient and will give you the strength you need to be an overcomer.”
May you strive to learn to be content and grow in your faith as you follow Jesus Christ.
Where is God tugging on your heart to change today?
Thanks, Jayme, for these 6 “simple” steps to help turn away from discontentment. I love that you give us hope that “discontentment is a heart issue that can be changed.”
Constance, I’m so glad this was encouraging for you today and gave you hope. Thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate hearing from you! Blessings.