Learning to be Content Part 7: The Last 4 of 7 Keys in How

Oh, how I pray these tips have helped you become more content!

So far in our learning how to be content we’ve covered:

1. Putting God first

2. Getting the right outlook by

  • developing an eternal perspective.
  • developing a delayed gratification mindset.
  • decreasing our expectations of self and others, while increasing our expectations of God.
  • not comparing ourselves with others.

3. Serving others

Now as promised last time let’s focus on you.

4. Identify Your Specific Areas of Dissatisfaction

Since we are all different it should be obvious the reason for your discontentedness will be unique to you. I’ve provided a worksheet (see below) to help you discover where and why you are unhappy.

You need to:

  • Look at your situation to find your root cause so that you can dispel your wrong thinking.
  • Get practical solutions for your issue; to change what you can and accept what you can’t.
  • Do your own Bible study on this topic; get your own verses in which God will speak. Find your key truths. Sometimes it’s just 1 simple truth that will unlock a door to a totally new way of looking at things. 
  • Have your own experiences with the Lord during your soul-searching. Those experiences are yours —not mine, not your mate’s, not Paul’s. This will make all the difference in the world in helping you learn to be content whatever the circumstances—even yours.

Then…

  •  You will have your own testimony about God’s faithfulness to proclaim to the world!

5. Don’t Rely on Feelings/Choose to Act in Faith

When you begin to feel dissatisfied, choose not to complain. Choose to believe God’s Word and act in faith (2 Cor 5:7).

When those feelings of discontentedness arise, nip it in the bud right away. Try not to let it go full blown. It’s hard to leave a pity party in full swing. Ask God to help you here. He will!

6. Commit to Apply

The reason why so many of us fail is that we simply don’t do this step. I have learned how to be content in increasing measure. However, as the Lord brings new situations into my life, I still have to choose to apply these truths to remain contented.

All the knowledge in the world is useless unless used specifically where we live.

If you want to learn how to swim, you can watch all the videos you want, attend all swim classes with eagerness and great intentions, but until you get in the water and start using that information progressively on a practical level, you will NEVER learn how to swim!

Yes, it takes time and effort. But it’ll be worth it—you’ll see! The Holy Spirit will keep His end of the commitment of leading you into all truth including that of true satisfaction in Christ. Will you keep your end of the commitment? (Mat 7:24-27)

7. Remember We’re Not Fully Redeemed Here

There’s still something missing because we have not yet experienced all that God has for us. In heaven, that ache will go away. There will be total fulfillment and joy.

Only then will we finally feel the completeness that we were created to enjoy.*

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This series has really only touched the surface. The core message of this Ministry revolves around finding true contentment in and through the One and Only. Therefore, expect related blogs in the future.

Please let me know which areas you’d like further discussion. I want to produce meaningful content for you.

And don’t forget to get your free worksheet here.
Learn To Be Content In YOUR Specific Circumstances Worksheet

Relevant blog
Having a Pity-Party? 10 Tips on How to Leave!

 

*David Jeremiah. Turning Point Radio. WAVA. Arlington. 10 Feb. 2010.