Content. What does that word mean to you? To a lot of people it means being happy with where you are in life. And I think that’s a lot of it. But I also think there’s nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself and having dreams for the future. It really is a fine line to walk.

God tells us to be content in knowing that He is with us and will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). I think the biggest problem I have with contentment is materialistic. I always want to wear the newest trend and have the most attractive of everything.

I like to make myself feel better by remembering that I don’t buy the most expensive things or the biggest brands, but I still always want more. I’m never content with what I have. But in Hebrews 13, the Hebrew writer specifically commands us to keep our lives free from the love of money and that’s really what this boils down to, right?

But for me (and I think for a lot of other people too) wanting to stay on trend and buy all the newest stuff comes from comparing myself to others. If I keep this mindset, I may never be content. Why do I think I need to compete with other people. The only people who’s opinions I should care about are God’s and my own. And maybe my husband’s.

Not comparing ourselves to others and not wanting to have all the newest stuff is so tough because it’s fun to be complemented on our clothes or hair or our apartment or car. It feels good to have the approval of others.

I know I always want others to like me. That goes beyond material matters, too. I constantly want better relationships. I want more friends. I want my friends to like me and invite me to hang out. It’s certainly something I struggle with being content with.

But God is all we need to be content. We don’t need stuff. We don’t need lots of friends. We don’t need the approval of people. I’m still working on this, but I’m sure trying.

Do you struggle with contentment? What is it you have the hardest time being content with in your life?
Thanks for reading!

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