Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. An acceptance of one’s circumstances. A sense of calm and quiet pleasure. The feeling that needs are met. Being at harmony with one’s situation. All of this sounds good to me, so let’s take a deep dive into how to cultivate contentment.
What is the OPPOSITE of contentment?
Sometimes when I’m trying to clarify my thoughts around a concept, it helps me to consider what the concept is NOT. Here are a few of the (less obvious) antonyms of contentment I found:
- restlessness
- discomfort
- agitation
- uneasiness
- pique
- disturbance
- melancholy
- woe
There are more, but this list is helpful to me. It makes me realize that there are many different facets to contentment. What speaks to you?
What does the Bible say about contentment? Just curious–what is the first passage that comes to your mind?
Philippians 4:11-13 – “I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”
This is the first one I think of! Paul’s words remind us that contentment is learned, not something that comes naturally. His strength to be content comes from God, not from his circumstances. This is encouraging because it means contentment is something we can work at. Practice. Grow in.
Many Bible verses about contentment also talk about material possessions.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 – “Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn’t bring anything into the world, and so we can’t take anything out of it: we’ll be happy with food and clothing.”
Paul connects godliness with contentment, showing that a deep relationship with God leads to satisfaction. He also reminds us that material things are temporary. We didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out. This helps reframe our perspective on what truly matters.
Hebrews 13:5 – “Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, he has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.”
This verse directly links contentment with trust in God’s provision. The promise that God will never leave us means we are never truly lacking, even when life feels uncertain.
Matthew 6:31-33 – “Therefore, don’t worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Gentiles long for all these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus teaches that contentment comes when we prioritize God’s kingdom over material concerns. Worry often stems from misplaced priorities, but when we seek God first, we trust that our needs will be met.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money; nor the one who loves wealth with big profits. This too is pointless.”
Solomon warns that chasing wealth is a never-ending cycle. If we place our hope in money, we’ll always want more. True satisfaction comes from something deeper than material gain.
Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.”
One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, this reminds us that with God as our shepherd, we lack nothing. Contentment isn’t about what we have but about knowing we are fully cared for by God.
Contentment as a spiritual practice
Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
This verse connects contentment with reverence for God. When we place our trust in God, we find rest. Contentment is a result of spiritual security.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “He said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.’ So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.”
Paul acknowledges that contentment is also about our struggles. Even in weakness, God’s grace is enough. Contentment grows when we embrace our dependence on God rather than fight against our limitations.
Practical ways to cultivate contentment
Practice gratitude and generosity.
Keep a gratitude journal or make it a habit to thank God for specific blessings each day. Shifting focus to what we have instead of what we lack changes our perspective. Likewise, giving to others shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance. When we bless others, we recognize that we already have enough.
Surround yourself with content people and limit comparison.
Being around people who constantly chase after more can make us feel like we should, too. Instead, seek out those who radiate peace and contentment. Similarly, social media and advertising constantly make us feel like we need more. Intentionally stepping away or reminding ourselves that other people’s lives aren’t as perfect as they seem can help us stay content.
Live simply and find joy in the present.
Contentment often grows when we declutter. Not just our homes, but our schedules and commitments as well. Prioritizing what truly matters brings peace. Additionally, instead of always looking forward to the next thing (the next purchase, the next job, the next stage of life), we can learn to appreciate where we are now. Our culture is very goal-oriented, and it’s easy to get caught up in planning or preparing for the next step. That’s important, of course, but we don’t want to miss out on what’s happening now.
Develop a heart of worship.
So many things come down to where our focus is. When we focus on God’s goodness, our hearts become less restless. Worship helps reorient our perspective toward eternal things rather than temporary desires. What an effective way to cultivate contentment!
What are some ways you might try to cultivate contentment?
Has this given you something to think about? Any other ideas? Please comment below with your suggestions.
This is part of my word-of-the-year series around the word CUTIVATE. I like the idea of intentional growth.
Other posts in the series:
- cultivate presence: start on the porch
- cultivate hope: a biblical perspective
- cultivate connection
- cultivate compassion
- cultivate hospitality
- cultivate authenticity
- word of the year (the first post introducing the series)
Other posts you may like:
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: five stars!
- examen prayer: guidance and growth
- Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris: five stars!
- 30 dinner party conversation starters
- visio divina: a practice of sacred seeing
Fondly,
Crysti
I have so enjoyed this series. Truly a blessing and seems to see directly into my worry and anxiety. Grateful for specific strategies to bring my focus back to what matters. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Debra! This series has meant so much to me. I know I said this was the last post in the series, but I have since decided on one more. I think it might be my favorite! It’s coming soon. 🙂