A lot of people are dis-content. They are always searching. They are never satisfied. They are never at peace. 

As a result, they try to fill their void with various things or experiences.

Some people think that if they only gain the approval of others and get others to like them, then maybe, just maybe, they’ll finally be content. But that is a game that can never be won.

It perpetuates discontentment.

Others think that if they pull off some huge achievement, or if they are successful at work, or if they prove that they’re better at something than someone else, then maybe, just maybe, they’ll finally be content. But then failure comes knocking (as it always does) and it crushes them.

It perpetuates discontentment. 

Still others are pleasure-seekers. They spend their time and energy accumulating temporary experiences that make them feel “happy.” But days turn into months which turn into decades, and they realize how empty they feel inside.

It perpetuates discontentment.

Friends, if we are chasing the wrong things, those things will always let us down.

Paul’s word of praise in Ephesians 1:3 is also a reminder about what (and who) is the source of all true and lasting contentment. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

In Christ.

The key to contentment isn’t what you have; it’s who you have.

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Notes:

—-My latest PODCAST is called “Eden restored, paradise in a person, and finding contentment on the road to Emmaus.” It’s an in-depth look at Luke 24:13-35. Click here to listen, or look for ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe to podcasts: iTunes (Apple), Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.