1 Timothy 6:6-8:  “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

I have struggled with contentment over the years.  It is definitely an up and down battle for me.  I get control of it, feeling like I live in a place of gratitude and then I go right back. I want more and feeling like life’s given me the short end of the stick.

A few things that have helped me stay in a place of contentment while being more grateful for the blessings God has given me.

I heard a story a few years ago that made a big impact on me.  There was a couple that moved out of their apartment and bought their first home.  They loved it, it was perfect and they were amazed at how much God had blessed them.

It was a small home in a beautiful neighborhood but, it was all theirs and they felt it had more than enough room for them.  They were on top of the world.

Soon after they were invited to dinner with their friends from college.  When they arrived, at the friend’s home it had a long driveway that led right up to a massive home.  The couple was the same age and had acquired much more.  They didn’t understand how this was possible.

After dinner, they drove home quietly as they both were feeling sad.  Their new home now seemed and looked pitiful compared to the mansion.  Within a few hours they went from being on the top of the world, amazed by God to feeling like God wasn’t being fair, feeling sorry for themselves for not being farther in life.

I have totally been there. 

I have felt like the world’s most blessed woman and amazed by all that God has given our family.  I have been in love with my home, my life, grateful for my husband’s job, feeling like we have more than enough.

Then, I would go and be around women who would only talk about money and how much they make or spend.   These women worry about going broke even though they are in the top 10% of this nation.  They  have large savings accounts that they never felt was enough.  My attitude would change dramatically.  My view would  change to thinking… I need a bigger house, bigger bank account, better cars and better jobs.

Over the years, I’ve realized the danger of having all of your friends share the same “bubble” or same income class as you.  Whether that is middle class,  very wealthy,  or struggling to put food on the table.  Make a point to befriend those who are not in the same place as you.  It changes your perspective and can challenge you as well.

I’ve spoken to so many women in the upper middle class.  The “problems” and things they “stress” about are just shocking to me but, that’s because, I’ve been in a place of having very little before. So, as our income increases I still don’t forget where we started.

Watch documentaries, read books, help out those in serious need and your perspective of your own life will change dramatically.

Watch shows like “Hidden America” on ABC, showing how most of America lives.  Read books like “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a world of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.

If those types of scenarios describe you today, know that God will provide all that you need.  He has provided so many miracles for us and we have held tight to Psalm 37: 25 ” I am young, now I am old but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread.” 

He will take care of your family.  He will provide for you.  Trust Him.

Comparison really is the killer of joy and contentment.  The truth is that our house isn’t huge but, it is more than enough for us.  We aren’t in the top 10% but, we make enough to meet our needs and many of our wants too!   We might not be able to take crazy trips out of the country every year but, we can still take our family on a vacation every year.

I’ve realized the key to staying content and grateful to all the blessings that God has given me is by counting them Constantly listing and reminding myself of them.   When I do, I can’t help but praise God for all He has done.  In many ways, this world is all about money, selfishness and materialism.

Our sense of feeling “blessed” should not have anything to do with money.

We often equate God’s blessings to prosperity and wealth.

He is so much greater than that.  He blesses us in so many more ways than that.  The greatest blessings I’ve experienced in my life aren’t monetary but, things money can’t buy.

They are the health & life of my kids, being able to be a stay at home mom, having a man that I truly love to spend this life with, having great friends, a great relationship with my extended family, an amazing church, and I could go on and on.

If we had a mansion, a jaguar and a million dollars in the bank but, I hated my husband, my child had cancer and my friendships were all superficial, I would trade it ALL in a snap for this life right here.

This beautiful life.

So, today I encourage you to stop comparing and start counting the many ways you are blessed and you will find that you have more than you need.  God is a good God and He loves you dearly.  He blesses all of His children.  Not one more than the other.  The blessings you have are the ones that so many people would love to have.

Enjoy them.  Be thankful.  You have enough.  You are enough.  You are blessed.

 

*For more articles on faith, check out ” How I’m letting go of perfection.”

 

The key to contentment

 

You May Also Like

56 comments

Reply

Comparison. Oh yikes. It is DEADLY! If everyone could recognize their own strengths and build others up, the world would be a much better place. Thanks for a great post!

xo, Taylor (thesprinkle.tayloramead.com)

Reply

Yes that is so very true but, a real struggle that most of us have! We definitely have to encourage ourselves to do the opposite of what is natural 🙂 Thank you!

Reply

coming from a very low income family to now having worked our way up a little. Writer off financially I can relate to this a lot. We no longer have to worry about where food will come from..somit does kind of make my worries seem silly

Reply

Exactly! I’m so grateful for times like that, that keep me grounded!

Reply

Agree with counting your blessings!!! I feel so blessed for my family and home and that is all I need! 🙂 Thanks for the great post!

Reply

Amen! That is so awesome!

Reply

Beautiful reminder.

Reply

Thanks so much!

Reply

This is so on point. It is interesting (and important) to talk to all types of people and try to see what they see. It definitely puts things into perspective.

Reply

It really does make a big difference!

Reply

So true!! I sometimes struggle with this in my marriage ‘I bet so and so’s husband does the dishes sometimes’ etc. But I know everyone has their ups and downs and I try to think of that when I’m frustrated! The grass is green where you water it!

Reply

YES! We can do this in every area rather than being grateful for all we have!

Reply

This was amazing. It’s always nice to be reminded to stop comparing and just focus on your own path.

Thanks for this great reminder 🙂

Janett

Reply

I’m reminding myself too! LOL thanks!

Reply

I 100% agree! Comparing oneself to others is a futile and a waste of time. It’s so easy to forget how blessed we really are. Thank for the reminder.

Reply

It is so easy to forget! Thanks for reading!

Reply

Comparison really is the killer of joy and contentment. Great to remember. I’m trying to teach this concept to my children, but need to be reminded almost on a daily basis.

Reply

I know! It’s so true that I do the same thing with my kids!

Reply

As always, a beautiful perspective on life. When I notice myself falling into the trap of comparison, I tell myself, “Eyes on your own life,” the way teachers say eyes on your own paper. I can always find goodness in my life if that is where I am focused.

Reply

LOL I love that! What a great reminder! thanks girl!

Reply

I think that counting my blessings is the number one way I am able to stay content.

Reply

It really is the key!

Reply

I love this and I love what you’re doing with your blog! Thanks for inspiring me yet again.

Reply

Your so sweet! Thanks for reading!

Reply

I really needed this article! You are absolutely right comparison is the killer of joy. I’m guilty of doing this as well. I’ve started a gratitude jar where I write down three things I’m grateful for and store it in the jar.

Reply

I love that idea! I’m totally stealing it! LOL

Reply

There’s a beauty in a contented woman that no make-up can match. And content women usually have happy husbands. This is a great post, thanks!

Reply

Yes that is so very true.

Reply

What a great reminder! It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the ‘keeping up’ and not be content.

Reply

It really is!

Reply

Very true words! Comparison happens all the time and it is so important we remember to self love.

Reply

Yes! I totally understand!

Reply

This post is exactly what I needed today! We’re moving to a new apartment next month and it will be exciting and great! I sometimes feel like we should be at a different place in our lives. My husband and I are both working college students, though, so even though there are some our age that are buying their first house, a bigger apartment than what we currently have will be perfect for us. I also love how you said that God will take care of us, I truly believe that!

Reply

Thanks so much for sharing! I totally understand being there. God is so faithful in will bless you guys, many times in ways that are way better than money could ever buy!

Reply

So good and a great reminder! I remember when we were moving to Boston, looking at houses, and looking at what we could really afford. A wise and dear friend of mine told me,” You buy a house for you and your family to be comfortable in. Don’t buy a house for guests that will only visit 5% of the time.” ?

Reply

LOL AWW Love you girl! So true though!

Reply

This is so, so good my friend. I often feel as though I don’t want for much, but that others around us are getting ‘there’ first. Comparison is a treacherous trap and will stifle the goodness of God!!

Reply

Yes! It’s hard to compare those around us for sure! Agreed!

Reply

Comparison is the thief of joy! Focusing on your blessings is sooo much better!

xoxo
http://befittingstyle.com/nyfw-fw17-recapvlog/

Reply

It really is! Agreed!

Reply

I can really relate to this blog post. There is nothing to be gained from comparing yourself to others. The secret to contentment is appreciating what counts. For years I had lots of money but no love. Now I have less money but lots of love. I know what I’d rather have.

Reply

That’s such an amazing experience that you have had both! So glad you enjoyed it!

Reply

Love this, Jehava! Such a beautiful call to be more thankful and to stop playing the comparison game.

Reply

Thank you so very much!

Reply

Good post. Comparison is almost never good. I’ve had similar situations like that couple. I’m happy when I can snap myself out of those feelings and focus on my blessings.

Reply

Yes I’ve had many like them too. I am working on just counting my blessings and it makes such a difference.

Reply

These are some great reminders on contentment! I struggled with not being content and it really took the joy away from my life. It was a good lesson to learn for sure. Thanks for sharing!

Reply

Yes! I am still learning it but counting my blessings is so helpful.

Reply

I think you just made a huge dent in this world being all about materialism and greed with this post. You’re a great inspiration for those moving the world into one of gratitude, love, and joy!

Reply

Thanks so much! I’m trying as I encourage myself!

Reply

Yes! This is so true. I know that I am blessed to have all that I have, but sometimes I start comparing my life to others and discontent sneaks in.

Reply

YEs for sure! I feel ya girl!

Reply

This is such a helpful reminder and an area that can be so broad. I often feel this in other areas of my life like how I feel as a blogger and wanting more in this area. I have to often remind myself it’s Gods timing along with His will for my life not my own.
Thanks for sharing. ♥️
xo, Nicole

Reply

Yes! Blogging is definitely one of those areas for me too! Every area really of life lol

Reply

So many good thoughts in this post! Not everything good in life is financial. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have been given–for me, I know everything good about life is only by the grace of God. I don’t deserve so much goodness. How could I be discontent?

Reply

YES!! Yes! When you look at His grace, perspective totally changes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *