• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
A Quiet Simple Life with Sallie Borrink

A Quiet Simple Life with Sallie Borrink

Simple Living, Homeschooling, Faith, Homemaking, & Books

  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Categories
    • Easy-To-Use Category Page
    • Books
      • Book Lists
      • A Month of Cozy Children’s Books
      • Picture Books for Children
      • Chapter Books for Children
    • Christian Devotionals
      • Morning Hope
      • Eventide Blessing
      • Streams in the Desert
    • Christian Faith
      • Prayer
      • Marriage
    • Faithful Living In Difficult Times
    • Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
    • Free Printables
      • Free Homemaking Printables
      • Free Learning Printables & Worksheets
    • Gifted & 2e
      • Raising Gifted Children in the Christian Faith
      • Gifted/2e Parenting
      • Gifted/2e Homeschooling
    • Gracious Christian Parenting
    • Health
    • Holidays & Traditions
    • Home Business
    • Homemaking
    • Homeschooling
      • Relaxed Homeschooling
      • Homeschooling a Creative Child
      • Our Homeschool Curriculum Choices
      • Homeschool Mom Life
      • Homeschool Planning
      • Homeschool Relationships
      • Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
      • Right Brained Learners
      • Homeschooling High School
      • Homeschooling Middle School
      • Homeschooling Preschoolers
      • Homeschool Rooms
    • Introverts
    • Learning With Themes
    • Money
    • Our Simple Family Life
      • Only Child
      • Pregnancy & Baby
    • The Prudent & Prepared Homemaker
    • Rebuilding America
      • The Fourth Turning & The First Turning
      • Sallie’s Rebuilding America
    • Simple Living
    • Simple Living This Week
  • Tags
  • The Shop
    • A Full Year Shopping Pass
    • Explore The Shop By Category
    • Digital Products Terms of Use
    • Your Account Details
      • View Your Orders
      • Go To Your Downloads
    • Lost Password Help
  • Subscribe
  • Forum
    • Why Are Forums Limited Access?
    • Christian Faith
    • Simple Living & Homemaking
    • Current Events & Finding the Truth
    • Sallie’s Stack (News)
    • Homeschooling
    • Uplifting
    • Switching To and Using Linux
  • Donate
  • My Recommendations

Cultivating Contentment

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11

You are here: Home / Christian Faith / Cultivating Contentment

Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure statement.

March 29, 2006 by Sallie Borrink
3 Comments

The words content and contentment are only used about a dozen times in the Bible, yet all believers would certainly agree that it is a character quality basic to godly living. Cultivating contentment is a worthy spiritual endeavor. One well-known passage regarding contentment is found in Philippians 4 where Paul explains his understanding of contentment:

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)




Paul Learned Contentment

Twice Paul writes that contentment is learned (vs.11, 12). Contentment doesn’t seem to come naturally to people and this is certainly exacerbated by living in the United States.

Our culture constantly encourages us to crave more – more money, more power, more pleasure, more security. Even Christians who have all of their needs met (and a whole lot more) are not immune to the temptation to constantly look for ways to achieve more, buy more, and experience more. Paul “had it all” before he was called by Jesus. He had an excellent education, a position of power and authority, a good secure life, and a promising future. Paul could truthfully write that he knew what it was to have plenty.

He also knew what it meant to be in want as he lost a great deal when he followed the call of Christ. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked and went without food, water and sleep more times that we can imagine. And yet, in spite of all these circumstances, he learned contentment. Or, perhaps more accurately, he learned contentment because of these difficult situations.

Paul learned to focus not on what was happening to him and the physical difficulties he faced, but instead the secret of being content (vs. 12). Perhaps Paul reflected on Proverbs 19:23 during times of difficulty: The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Was Paul untouched by troubles in the physical sense? No, and he had the scars on his body to prove it.




But in the midst of everything that happened to him as he shared the gospel, Paul was able to focus on the important things. He feared the LORD which led him to life and enabled him to rest contentedly, untouched spiritually by all of the troubles around him. Paul is very clear as to what makes this possible: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (vs. 13). Paul knew that to try to be content under his own power would be futile – only the Lord could give him the strength he needed. Paul learned the secret of where contentment can be found – depending on the Lord in all circumstances and resting in His strength.

Money, Material Things, and Contentment

It is no coincidence that many of the passages which deal with contentment speak specifically about money and material things. Consider the following:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
I Timothy 6:3-10

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6

Contentment means knowing what is really important and ordering our daily living in a way that reflects that. If we are consumed with the things of this world, we will never be content, but rather will always be running after a better home, a flashier car, a more lucrative job, a more attractive spouse. Paul knew that the most important thing in this world was the spread of the gospel so that men and women might be reconciled to God. As long as he had food and clothing, he was content because as long as he had those two things he could get up each morning and proclaim the Gospel to those who were lost. That’s an especially challenging thought. Would I really be content to just have food and clothes and know that God is with me all of the time?

So does being content mean that Christians should be complacent and never try to change circumstances in our lives? No – contentment and complacency are different. Contentment is graciously accepting God’s will for our lives. Complacency is closely related to laziness and indicates an indifference to circumstances in our lives. God doesn’t want us to be indifferent. He is a God of excellence, beauty and pursuing all good things, and He would want us to seek that which is best. But He would have us do it with a spirit of contentment and with a desire to bring Him glory, honor and praise.

Contentment is a Choice

As I’ve learned my contentment lessons over the past several years, one thing has become strikingly clear.

Contentment is a choice and must be cultivated. I must choose to be content, and it is a decision that often needs to be made several times a day.

I must choose to be satisfied with whatever God does in my life, with whatever He gives me or decides in His wisdom to withhold.




To not be content with the life God has given me is to really say I don’t trust Him and that I think I know better than He does what should be happening.

I have also learned that I need to avoid things and people that stir up discontent in my life. Going through the day with a song of thanksgiving on my lips for all that I have been given brings a sense of contentment and peace. Spending the day rehearsing everything that is “wrong” or that I don’t have certainly does nothing to cultivate a spirit of contentment. The choice is mine each day and, sometimes, each hour.

True contentment involves a daily surrendering of ourselves to God. It hinges on our acceptance of His goodness and sovereignty. If we are constantly doubting God and His loving goodness in our lives, it will be impossible for us to be content. If we don’t trust God to lead us and direct our lives, we will always be restless and looking for that one elusive thing that will make us truly happy. One of the greatest joys we can know is the joy of resting in God’s love and watchcare, knowing deep contentment because we have left the worries and concerns of the world in His infinitely capable hands. Without this, contentment in this life is impossible.

Ultimately, truly content people recognize that this life is not all there is. They have eyes that see with an eternal perspective and look beyond the distractions of this world. They understand that complete contentment is yet to come when they are with the Father, but until that time they have learned to wait on the Lord, trusting Him to provide for all their needs, able to rest in His excellent provision in their lives.

He is a wise man who does not grieve for those things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~ Epictetus

Encouragement and Wisdom In My Shop

21 Days of Scripture for Simple LivingShe is Clothed… Proverbs 31:25-26 ArtworkThe Freedom of Learning to Say “No”Scripture Themes for Cozy Living – Peace, Understanding, and Joy

 2  
Category: Christian FaithTag: Contentment | Joy

Recommended For You

100 Encouraging Quotes For Christian Homemakers

12 Quotes About Trusting God

God’s Restraining Hand of Love

Bible Verses About The Humble and Humility

 

Spreading Traditional Goodness, Beauty, Truth, and Hope

Please click here to donate. Thank you! ♥

Previous Post:Tips For Registering For Baby Gifts and Baby Showers
Next Post:How To Make A Scholar By Daniel Webster

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelley

    January 3, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    I love this post. I’m struggling with contentment right now- yet learning to surrender to God’s will with the balance of pursuing what He says is excellence. One of the books I love, and am reading again, is The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. I have underlined on page 63, “…there is strength in Christ not only to sanctify and save us, but strength to support us under all our burdens and afflictions, and Christ expects that when we are under any burden, we should act our faith upon him to draw virtue and strength from him.”
    This reminds me that no matter the burden I bear, He bears the yoke with me- and He always carries the heaviest part. I can learn to be content in knowing I’m in the best company.

    Reply
    • Sallie

      January 3, 2018 at 5:21 pm

      Kelley,

      I’ve heard about that book so many times, but have never read it. I should look into it. That’s a lovely quote you shared. Thank you.

      Reply
  2. Bonny Velasquez

    February 28, 2022 at 9:52 am

    Sallie, I am new to your writings and videos. I hear my Father in your work and bless your faithfulness and the wisdom you reveal.
    Having said that, your blog on contentment while timely and needful is profoundly disturbing to my person. As is the passage where Jesus states that foxes have holes and birds have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. I am not there, able to be content in such circumstances, but I am encouraged to practice in order to grow more like Him. Thank you for your ability to impart.
    B

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Thank you for your comment. I read and appreciate each one even if I am unable to respond.

Sidebar

Welcome! I’m Sallie, Christian wife, mother, homebody, relaxed homeschooler, autodidact, truth seeker, and digital soldier. Traditional and conservative both theologically and politically. I value freedom to live quiet and simple lives. I don't apologize for being white. Please start here. ♥

Categories

Popular Posts Today

  • Forum (Limited Access)
  • Home Page
  • What Was In The Envelopes At President Bush’s Funeral?
  • Homemade Mocha Sauce (Coconut Milk Base)
  • Teachers Who Become Homeschoolers Are The Indicator Species
  • The Ultimate List of AIP Comfort Food Recipes
  • Cozy Blogs I’m Reading
  • 100 Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers {Free Printable}
  • A First-Hand Look At Life Inside Collapsing Woke Big Tech
  • The Ginghams Paper Dolls (Free!)
  • Parenting & Enjoying Your High Need Baby
  • The Ultimate Guide To Homeschooling A Right-Brained Child
  • Physics & Chemistry For Learners Who Struggle With Math From Paradigm Accelerated…
  • Simplicity, Downsizing, Gifts, Children, and Christmas
  • Quiet – 5 Days of Christmas Peace
  • Online Art Classes For Beginners
  • High School Bible Curriculum For Homeschoolers – The Jesus of the Gospels

In Your Cart

Popular In My Shop

  • A Quiet Simple Life Planner & Guidebook (January 2022 – December 2023)
  • A Cozy Year Journal Pages – 12 Designs, 4 Layouts
  • Butterfly Fun Facts Cards
  • She is Clothed… Proverbs 31:25-26 Artwork – 4 Designs
  • Cursive Handwriting Practice – 100 Sight Words
  • A Cozy Year Prayer Journal Pages
  • A Full Year Shopping Pass
  • Thanksgiving Fun Facts Cards
  • Thanksgiving Copywork – Print & Cursive

Recent Comments

  • Merrilhyn McElderry on Recommended Video: “Think The Unthinkable” By Neil Oliver
  • Sallie Borrink on Creating A Cozy Life – Getting Started
  • Jane Elizabeth Brakhage on Creating A Cozy Life – Getting Started
  • Bonny Velasquez on Simple Living This Week No. 94
  • Cheryl on The Real Phases Of The Homeschool Year {Free Printable}
  • Sallie Borrink on The Real Phases Of The Homeschool Year {Free Printable}
  • Sallie Borrink on Make The Most Of Your Pantry

Make Plans For A Beautiful Homeschool Year

Receive new post notifications from A Quiet Simple Life

Powered by follow.it

 

Contact Me • Privacy Policy • Disclaimers & Affiliates

Copyright © 2022 · A Quiet Simple Life with Sallie Borrink · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme

Scroll Up