How can I be content with my life?

"True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." —1 Timothy 6:6 (NLT)

Contentment is about being mentally and emotionally OK with the state of things as they are. That seems like a difficult thing to do though, doesn't it?

With all the messages we hear from Hollywood and social media about self-worth, personal value, and life's purpose, we can get really confused or misguided. So it can be really helpful to understand what the Bible says about contentment.

Contentment: Not for Sale

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money." —Matthew 6:24 (NLT)

As Christians, we're called to be content with God's provision and not stress over what we don't have. The Bible says that those who love wealth will never be satisfied (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Jesus teaches that we shouldn't live our lives in pursuit of possessions or monetary gain because our lives are more valuable than anything we could buy—even clothing, food, or drink (Matthew 6:24-30).

"These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." —Matthew 6:32-33

Contentment: Not Dependent on Circumstances

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." —Philippians 4:12 (NLT)

The apostle Paul suffered an incredible amount, living without comforts that most people get to enjoy like, you know, not being stranded in a dangerous land, robbed, beaten, or having to travel while homeless, hungry, and dehydrated (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). And yet, somehow, Paul found contentment in his life, understanding that it's Christ who gives us strength to go on (Philippians 4:12-13).

How can I find contentment?

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." —1 Peter 5:6-7

How did Paul find contentment when his life was unbelievably harsh? How can we be content with what we possess (or don't possess), where we live, our grades, our appearance, our friends, etc.? The answer comes down to how much we truly trust God's love for us.

If you're not sure where you stand, ask yourself:

• Do I trust God to provide everything I NEED (not necessarily my "wants")? (Luke 12:24)
• Do I trust that He knows better than me (or my parents or teachers) about what my life should look like? (John 15:16)
• Do I trust that God will provide everything necessary (physically, emotionally, spiritually) to help me become a godly follower of Christ? (Romans 8:28)
• Do I trust God to make the right decisions and to lead me where He wants me to go? (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When Contentment is Hard

It's OK if it was difficult to answer "yes" to most of those questions. If you find yourself struggling to be content, you're not alone. Even when we actively trust God, we may still find joy elusive at times. Spend time with Him in His Word and talk to Him in prayer. Our spiritual journey will last a lifetime, and growth takes both intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. We'll never be perfect but we can work toward choosing contentment over dwelling on life's shortcomings.

Gather evidences of God's provision and care and write them down. When you're feeling discontent, refer to those reminders to help you have confidence that, whatever the state of your life, this is what God has said is best for you right now. Your level of contentment is your choice.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If nothing in life feels worth living for, please reach out to a trusted friend or family member. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, and seeking help from a professional could be of great value.