Always In Pursuit: 7 Ways to Be More Content
Ever wondered how to live a life with purpose? These 7 simple ways to be more content will help you find happiness with what you have.
A few months ago I shared that our family’s theme word for the year is contentment. After an entire lifetime of wanting to trying to fill my life with beautiful things in the hope that it would bring fulfillment, learning to simply be content with what I have is a huge shift in paradigm.
I backslide sometimes–too often, really–and I find myself getting caught up in the pursuit of wanting something new, in the trap of thinking that there is better than here, of telling myself the reason I’m not satisfied is because I don’t have X or because I haven’t achieved Y. They are the familiar lies that keep creeping back over and over again.
Even so, slowly and painfully, through much prayer and reflection, I can still feel myself being changed, transformed, renewed. As this process continues, and as I continue to delve deeper into God’s Word, I am finding that these seven strategies are helping me to be much more content right where I am:
Always In Pursuit: 7 Ways to Be More Content
1. Set your priorities
Take the time to actually write down what is most important to you, and to determine what it is you want most out of life. Is having a bigger house, better clothes, a nicer car or the latest iPhone your ultimate goal? If you were to die tomorrow, what would you want people to remember you for? It is much easier to be content with what we have when we truly consider where our priorities lie. Jesus, in Matthew 6:20-21, put it simpler still: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
2. Stop comparing
This is so easy to say and yet, unless you live in a bubble, so hard to do. No matter what we do or who we are or how much we have, it is so tempting to see what someone else does or is or has and suddenly want that for ourselves.
As a blogger, my own biggest temptation is comparing myself to other bloggers. I’ll see another blog that has more subscribers or Facebook fans or blog comments and think, “why are they so much bigger or better than me?” Then I’ll read an amazingly insightful post or see a super-creative DiY project or delicious-looking recipe on another blog and think “Why couldn’t I think of that.” But I don’t stop there. I start questioning everything I am doing, I begin second-guessing my own path, my own content, my own worth. Suddenly everything I do is complete crap and I might as well just quit altogether.
I am learning, slowly, that another person’s success or talent doesn’t negate my own. I remind myself over and over of the message found in Romans 12:6: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” No two people will walk the same path, and nothing someone else has will fulfill me if I’m not already filled. My only job is to walk my own path to the best of my abilities.
3. Change the message
Do you ever feel like modern culture is just one big advertisement, constantly telling telling us what we need to be happy or successful? Between television, books, online media, magazines, and even billboards, it is practically impossible to escape the pressure to have more, do more, or be more. Much of that message involves filling our lives with things, promoting the idea that stuff will make happy. Sometimes it is just a “motivational” message, telling us that we should simply be better. In any case, the idea that what we have and who we are is enough is rarely–if ever–promoted. Contentment just doesn’t sell.
I found for myself that the only real solution was to change the message, and to drastically reduce the amount of advertising and propaganda that I am exposed to. I stopped reading blogs & magazines or watching television shows that made me feel like I what I have or who I am isn’t enough and instead focused on those that promote contentment, discipline, and other godly virtues. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” (Galatians 5:22). It takes work to block out the rest.
4. Count your blessings
Discontentment can sneak up on us so quickly, often before we even know it is happening. Something doesn’t go exactly our way, and suddenly we are wishing the whole world was different. I especially see this with my kids! I have found that it helps both them and me to have daily conversations about the blessings in our lives and the things we are grateful for.
Philippians 4:4-7 reminds us to “rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!….Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I am trying (yet often failing) in my own morning devotions, to be more intentional about thanking God for what He’s done, rather than constantly coming with my own petitions. This is still hard for me. To be perfectly honest, my prayers can often be very self-consumed. There is a lot I still want, but remembering all that I have does make a difference.
5. Live passionately
Where is your passion? What do you love to do most of all? What makes you jump out of bed in the morning, or rush home from work just so that you can have a little extra time to do it? Is it sewing? Crafting? Blogging? Speaking? Volunteering? Starting your own business? Raising children? Becoming a missionary? Whatever it is, DO IT. Do it with abandon, do it like your life depends on it.
There is nothing in the Bible that says we should simply sit quietly by, trying not to make waves. On the contrary, Jesus specifically said “I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the FULL.” A full life is one filled with passion, and it is hard to feel discontented when you are following your dreams.
6. Find positive friends
Trying to “keep up with the Jones'” can become all-consuming if everyone you know is caught up in the same more-more-more mentality. Unspoken competition among friends for the nicest house, most athletic kids, or biggest television (just to name a few!) not only breeds discontentment, but can cause true resentment among the people who should be your support system.
The Bible is pretty clear on this topic, saying “do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). A good way to make sure you’ll never be content is to surround yourself with discontented friends. Instead, find people who are striving for the same goals.
7. Pray for change
It always, always, always comes down to prayer. Pray for contentment, for God to truly transform your heart and satisfy your need for more, and he will. It is only through God’s grace we are redeemed. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Do you ever struggle with discontentment? What are your strategies for dealing with it?
To recap, here are 7 Ways to Be More Content
1. Set your priorities
2. Stop comparing
3. Change the message
4. Count your blessings
5. Live passionately
6. Find positive friends
7. Pray for change
PIN FOR LATER:
I love this post Ruth! Contentment is my word for the year too, and I really struggle with comparing myself to others. Thanks for the tips. Love the graphic too!
Thanks Bethany, and you’re welcome! 🙂
Love the verses. Beautiful post.
Thank you Gail
Thank you thank you so much for this post. I have so been struggling with some of these items daily and your post really hit home. I also love that it is written from a Christian perspective. It just seals the deal all that much more for me. Thanks again.
Melissa, I’m so glad to hear you liked it! And you’re welcome!
Beautiful post… It is sometimes just so hard to keep it simple and learn that as they say, less really is more! Have a blessed day, Ruth!
Thank you Kristi. You too!
This was so exactly what I needed to read this morning. I spent the weekend with some very well off friends and then went home feeling jealous (yes I admit it) and totally unsatisfied with my own life. Thank you
I struggle with the exact same problem Renee! I’m glad it was helpful to you this morning.
Thank you so much for posting this! Great post.
Thank you for such a wonderful and timely post! I started following your blog last year (started with the couponing site) but this is my first time leaving a comment. (Sorry it took me so long!) Your honesty and insight are always such a blessing. Thank you for sharing your talents. I have a copy of the beautiful graphic posted in my cubicle which could seriously use some Spring cleaning. 🙂
I love this post. Thanks, for sharing it.
Great article! This is something that we as a family have been focusing on as well. In a society that keeps telling us we’re not good enough, don’t have enough, don’t do enough…it’s great to have these reminders! I recently posted a similar post on my blog: http://www.livelikenooneelse.com/how-to-be-content-with-what-you-have/
Thanks so much for sharing this article! Love it!
Margaret @ Live Like No One Else
Hello Ruth! Learning to be content has been an ongoing struggle with me as well. I often find myself in a store, wanting to spend money I shouldn’t on something I don’t really need or comparing myself to someone else and what they have or have done. I just stop and recite to myself Phillippians 4:11 “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” and that calms me.
Hi Ruth! I just discovered your blog! I love it! This post was so wonderful. Contentment is a lesson the Lord has been truly teaching me this year! Thanks for the insight!! 🙂
Wow Ruth…
Came across your blog for the first time today via Pinterest! Excited to look around. Love this post. My husband & I have been on this journey as well this year. God has been talking to me about what real treasure is – and how my consumerism / materialism reflects where my heart really is. The biggest part is what do I want my kids to see that I treasure most… my sweater collection or people? When we really get it straight, living simply is so much easier.
Adding LWSL to my daily reads.
xo
Emily
I love your blog. Great post a daily reminder.
Thank you Esmeralda!
Wow! I love that… I really have struggled with this my whole life it seems. This is amazing!
Thank you!
I am so grateful that God brought me to your site. We had been living a similar lifestyle (clear priorities, contentment, real joy) up until a few years ago when we moved, built a new house (most of it with our own hands), and started a new business. I have been so caught up in all the worldly things, and really missing my “old” life where my focus was on God and my family. I have been taking steps towards getting these priorities back in line, and your blog is just the encouragement I’m needing. God bless.
This is a great post-I just had a sunday school series that taught about not falling into the comparison trap and how content we can be when we decide to focus primarily on all the we have – because we always have more than we like to think.
-Cheers to you!
-Sandra
Thanks for the great post! I think that, like everyone else (and no I am not comparing myself!), I struggle at times with being content with where I am at, etc. My biggest struggle now is with my teenage son. These are lessons that I am always trying to teach him. But, with love and prayer…..
Great reminder.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
I am truly inspired by a number of your posts! Thanks for your wonderful reminders of what our priorities should be. I’ve linked a few of your posts on my blog. Thank you for your continual inspiration!
Thanks for this post. I just stumbled across this after pinning another of your posts on clutter. I, too, have been dealing with ‘enough’ and comparison and contentment lately. I love this statement: “I am learning, slowly, that another person’s success or talent doesn’t negate my own.” I need to repeat this one to myself daily. Thanks again, for being one more voice the Lord is using to encourage me to be content and satisfied in Him.
Do you have a printable for your gorgeous graphic?? I would love it on my wall!
Currently, I don’t have the graphic available in printable form. So sorry!
I’m so glad I found your blog, you’re such an inspiration 🙂
How did you know that this is the whisper my soul needed today? Thank you so much!
Great words! So great that I just had to add a shout out to you in this on my own blog. Hope that’s ok! I did the trackback and gave you full credit. I came across this just when i finished writing my post so I am praying that I obeyed blog etiquette! If not, I will remove your graphic and link asap. Hopefully though it will just continue to reach others. Thank you!
I am so with you on this 🙂 Something I’m working very hard on myself. Comparing myself to others is a big challange but I remind myself of the same things (we all have our own journeys/skills/gifts ). My job is to focus on me and bettering myself and being happy for those who are successful at what they do . Thanks for sharing!
Change the message… YES, YES, YES! I’ve done exactly what you mentioned about cutting down on the “noise”. It’s sooo helpful.
Just found your blog – thank you so much for your honesty. Finding Contentment is my mantra for 2014, and this is certainly on my path.
Came across this on Pinterest tonight. Good timing. I was just sitting here wondering why I feel like I write beautiful blog posts but then rarely get hits and/or comments. I am guilty of comparing, thinking maybe my writing is sub par. Thanks. Good read. 🙂
All of these are spot on. #6 is so true!
Wonderful post! This is definitely a prayer of mine; to be thankful for the blessings in my life, have joy in the Lord, and to be content with where God has placed me right this minute.
Point #5 really spoke to me. “Life to the Full” is actually the name of my blog, yet at times I’ve felt guilty for feeling passionate about earthly things. I suppose it’s all in priorities and making sure that God is always number 1 in my life. He gives us our specific passions for a reason and we can use them to bless others! I’m an avid runner and have wondered what on earth I’m supposed to do with that! Then again, it is definitely possible to bless and encourage others through anything (as long as it’s pleasing to God) we do when we are working with the Almighty God!
Thank you for this wonderful message.
I found this today, when I feel like I needed it the most. I raised my 3boys and I always thought when they are grown it will be my time, I can do what I want to do. I find myself lost and un-happy. I look at others and wonder what do they do different, why are they happy and I am not. I think a lot of us think if we get something new or re-do our house that it will make us happy and at first you are happy but when the new is not new anymore then what? We go right back to not being happy. Thank you for this post it helps me on my own journey…. To be grateful and happy with who I am and what I have. I don’t want to wake up one day and realize that I missed my whole life.
Thank You- so needed this for myself and in my parenting.
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Thank you for writing this. I am sharing it on my FB because I know it is something that many struggle with.
Ruth,
Thank you so much for this post. I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and look forward to reading it everyday. I also appreciate your openness about your depression which I have also suffered with under much of the same circumstances you did. Lately I have been comparing myself to others a lot. I am trying to focus on who I am in God’s eyes. Thank you. You are a blessing!
Joy
Very well timed! Do you know if there is a printable for this anywhere?
Totally needed this today….Thank you for being honest and real.
Funny, I was just searching Pinterest for my contentment and I stumbled upon exactly what I needed. You’re insightful post of truth. Thank you so much for sharing your struggle, it is mine. Always searching for that something and He’s right there. Hugs!
I knew that it was important to thank God for what he has already done, but it is always important to be reminded! I also have never thought about praying for contentment, but what a wonderful idea! I struggle with my blog (not wanting to get out of balance with my other responsibilities). I also don’t want to run after the wrong things with my blog. I think praying for contentment will help me to see things more clearly. Thank you for this article. PS-I bought your blogging book and am enjoying it!
Perfect post Ruth!!! It’s something I’ve wanted to write but couldn’t find the words of grace you did! I wish there was a way to share this article on my website. 🙂 It’s all so true for so many of us. I’m trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, now that the kids moved out and the dog died (don’t worry, it was several years ago). It’s making it even more difficult to be Mrs. Organized, the Time Management guru. There’s a lot more to the story, but you get the gist. LOL
Wow, I just found your blog and I love it. What a wonderful article you have written, thank you!
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Wow! My New Year’s prayer this year has been that God would change me and rid me of my discontent. Your blog is so encouraging. Thank you!
I have recently discovered your blog and am so excited to see your posts! They seem to be hitting the issues I am dealing with in my own life right now. It is nice to know we are not a lone in our struggles and that there are others who are going through the same things, and conquering them even though falling at times. It is such an encouragement. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Really great post. Words to live by!
Thanks for sharing this article about you. I need it. I see a lot of people think of bigger things like big houses, jobs, etc.. I feel down since I have an authority from doctor that I had to stop working due to my eye disease. It’s very hard for me because I live in different place which I don’t like and it’s too hard for me to maintain because I’m woman. I lived in a house for 13 years but had to leave it. I tried to tell people many times how I felt in the past but no one understands and I’m not only one of other people who have eye disease and they have same frustrations. thanks again for your blog.
Thank you, this was great. Praying for peace and contentment. Awesome posts, keep it up! 🙂 <3
Beautiful and inspirational post to begin the day with. I really needed those reflections as my life is in transition and sometimes it makes me feel unsecure, lost and constantly comparing myself with others. Thank you 😉
this really spoke to me today!!! Thank you!! 🙂
I love this! And I agree – it’s difficult to avoid self-consumed prayers. I’ve recently made it a rule that for every request I bring up in prayer, I have to find something in that same situation that I can thank God for. So if I pray that my daughter will stop peeing during naps before she turns 18, then I’ll thank God for my daughter, and for the blessing of being able to watch her learn and grow. It’s been really helpful in refocusing myself on my blessings rather than on my needs.
Thank you for this post today. Contentment is something i’ve been struggling with lately. This spoke to my heart & showed me what I can do to make a change.