The Itch That Never Seems to Go Away

Why does it seem like contentment is impossible to achieve? It seems like every day, I can mentally (occasionally verbally) list several things I’m not content with.

The dishes weren’t put away.
Kids are driving me crazy.
The weather is too cold…too hot…too rainy…

Those thoughts of discontentment seep into other areas too, like work.

Wouldn’t it be nice to work there?
What if I had that job?
Would my life be better, happier, and complete with more satisfaction if they had me doing _____?

I don’t think I’m the only one who struggles with this. Seems like everywhere I turn I hear another story about someone who needs more, wants more, can’t find, would love if…

By the way, there’s nothing wrong with wanting more/better/different in life. God has hardwired a need for better, more, greater.

BUT, the counterbalance to that desire is contentment. Discontentment is the itch that never seems to go away. We think the way to rid ourselves of the itch is to get (that thing/promotion/job).

Instead, the only way to rid ourselves of the itch is to find contentment.

Paul writes in Philippians 4, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Woah. And then the next verse.

13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

The reason he can do all things?

Because he finally scratched the itch with contentment.

How can you be more content today with your present circumstances?