Counsel #27 — Contentment

Picture: Counsel #27 — ContentmentCMH 29.1

It’s easy to get caught up in comparing our lives to others, whether it’s their possessions, their circumstances, or their seeming lack of problems. This constant looking at what others have can breed a kind of spiritual and emotional unrest, a lack of peace that stems from envy.CMH 29.2

But the good news is, true joy and contentment aren’t found in accumulating more or in having a life free of trouble. Instead, they are rooted in gratitude for what God has already provided. Even when life throws us curveballs and it feels like everything is going wrong, we can choose to intentionally focus on our blessings. This takes practice—it’s a discipline. It means pausing amid the storm to remember the good things, big and small.CMH 29.3

The reason we can be content isn’t because our circumstances are perfect, but because God’s presence with us is. He is our Ultimate Blessing, and He is a constant we can lean on no matter what.^{[34] https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/envy-a-major-weapon/} CMH 29.4

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJVCMH 29.5

“A man at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred cannot exist.” Ellen White in My Life Today, p. 179CMH 29.6

Reflect: How can you pursue growth and improvement without falling into the trap of discontentment?CMH 29.7