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(Presented by Lisa Bishop)
What do you do when life is not going the way you planned? When you feel disappointed, uncertain, or unsettled?
We are taking a deep dive into contentment and how you can have more of it in your life, no matter your circumstances. If I have learned anything about contentment, cultivating it takes effort and it is something that you learn by intentionally pursuing it, consistently over time. It’s an inward state of satisfaction that comes from trusting God with your life even when circumstances look dim.
If I am not careful, I can quickly find myself in a state of discontentment when my life is not going the way I envisioned. When a prayer I feel like I have prayed for years still goes unanswered. When I am uncertain, fearful and anxious about what the future holds, my emotions can be easily swayed to dissatisfaction and can drive me to seek fulfillment in ways that are not healthy or helpful.
Where are you finding it difficult to be content? Think about it. What area of your life has not gone the way that you dreamed? When you come face to face with life’s disappointments, detours, or delays, where or what do you turn to?
We can be tempted to try and numb ourselves and dull the discontent. You may turn to food, busyness, binging on Netflix. Maybe you turn to sex, pornography, alcohol or marijuana and other drugs. In an effort to dismiss the ache of an unmet longing we turn to idols to give us comfort even though we know that our idols never satisfy. Yet in the long moments of our lack of contentment, our flesh, our compulsion leads us to chase after worthless things.
In Psalm 119:37, David knew his tendency to let his flesh rule in challenging circumstances. And when tempted and pressed in on every side, he cries out to the Lord, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” The Passion Translation says, “Help me turn my eyes away from illusions.”
Idols are illusions. The things you turn to in your impatience or frustration may give a sense of temporary relief but will ultimately wreck you.
When you are tempted to seek idols for comfort, turn. Turn your eyes away from the idol and towards God and ask him to help you. You need to override your desire to self-medicate and turn your eyes to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.
Ditch your idols, make a habit of turning to God, and contentment will be produced in you.