Finding Contentment

How can you find happiness and contentment?  In one way or another, seeking the answer to this question guides and motivates many of our lives.  But the answer continues to elude us.

According to an article I recently read by Rev. Dr. Martin Theilen, psychologist have found that genetics account for about 50% of our ability to be content, our life circumstances for another 10%, and factors that we can control account for 40%.  We may think we’d be happier if we lived under different circumstances, but our attitudes and behaviors are four times more important for attaining the goal of a contented life.

Dr. Theilen points out ten Biblically-based attitudes and behaviors that help to increase our sense of contentment:

1. Knowing that external circumstances do not determine happiness: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)

2. Using trials as growth opportunities: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

3. Cultivating optimism: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

4. Focusing on the present: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

5. Practicing forgiveness: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

6. Practicing generosity: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25

7. Nurturing relationships: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

8. Expressing gratitude: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

9. Caring for our bodies: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19

10. Caring for our souls: “my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. (Psalm 62:1)

Consider how you can find contentment in your life through the practice of our faith in these ways.