Creating a life full of contentment

David and Marva Coombs

Many find it difficult to be content in a culture where most people are convinced that more is better. As people compare themselves to others, they invariably feel the pain of discontent. How many people can say they are content with their lives? Too many define happiness as somewhere in the future. The common mantra is “I will be so happy when--” 

People could cry out to God to make them especially beautiful without knowing the challenges and problems that plague those who are. People could demand a strong, healthy and athletic body, free from disease, aches and pains but then lose the lessons to be learned from dealing with imperfection. People could ask why they were not gifted mentally or musically or however else they desire as they compare themselves to others.  But comparisons are usually faulty because most people don’t recognize their own talents and gifts. They could also ask why they were not born into wealth as others have been. Why couldn’t they at least enjoy a nicer income than that which they have now? 

Charles H. Spurgeon said: “You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness” (Internet site: Christian Quotes on Gratitude, p1).

What would happen if people were content in their current circumstances; for example, if the past election did not turn out the way they wanted, could they be content with life just as things are without requiring anything to be different? Could we be like Paul who said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11). True contentment comes from accepting the good in our lives and saying it is sufficient. It is having the confidence that God is in charge and knows full well what our needs are and that He will provide in due time. 

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Having the faith that God is in the details of our lives gives us the confidence to know that, as we seek His help, challenges will eventually work out for our good. 

It is important for people to dream, to be well-educated and to grow in knowledge and Godly attributes. Satisfaction comes as they set worthy goals, work hard and achieve them; however, it is also important that they plan in pencil. Life is full of surprises; people enjoy their lives best when they surrender their wills to God’s will. Those with faith understand that God knows and loves them intimately; the struggles they face teach them the very things necessary to make their lives on earth complete. 

People could chaff and get angry at God when His tutorials are not to their liking. In place of wrestling with God, they will find peace as they let go of their angst and nestle into the arms of His love. People would experience less anxiety and depression if they let go of their doubts and fears and allowed a wave of God’s love and peace to wash over them, leaving them contented. 

The big question we all need to ask is what does God want us to learn from our unique circumstances? Could it be that the one great lesson He wants us all to learn is to accept gratefully what we have been given? Could we find happiness in the here and now? No doubt He wants us to take off the blinders hiding the blessings we currently enjoy? 

God wants us to experience the peace that comes from flooding our minds with thoughts like: “Life is good. Life is beautiful just as it is, even with all of its problems and challenges. I am happy being who I am, doing what I am doing; I don’t need anything to be different for me to be happy. I’ll pursue my goals, but I don’t have to achieve them to be happy. I can take joy in the adventure. God is good; with Him I can do all things. I have sufficient. I am content.” 

Learning to be content may not be an event so much as it is a process. For now, may we all  engage in this vital quest of “letting go and letting God” which helps us create lives of contentment. 

Dr. Coombs is a professional marriage, family and individual counselor. Call 435-272-4292 or email to dmcoombs@gmail.com or visit drcoombsmarriageandfamily.blogspot.com.