A common problem for all people is that we have a hard time being satisfied. We either want more of the good things we already have or we want something new. Proverbs sums up how we are always looking for more this way:
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man. (Pv 27:20 – ESV)
Don’t fall for the trap of desiring what you don’t have; instead appreciate what God has given you. Many people have made terrible life mistakes by pursuing a desire and suffered for them. Look at Eve in the Garden. She had a dream life there with no illness, perfect weather, enjoyable work, and she walked and talked with God Himself (Gen 2:8-17). You and I can only dream of that kind of life. She would have lived in that utopia forever if she did not listen to the devil planting the seed of desire for what she didn’t have:
4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Gen 3:4-6)
Eve focused on what she didn’t have instead of what she did have, and she went for the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:1-6). Eve wanted the one thing God didn’t give her instead of being happy with what God did give her. She did eventually get the fruit she desired but it cost her the greatest blessings she had … she and Adam were banished from God’s presence and the utopia of the Garden. On top of that their bodies would now die, sin entered mankind, and their work was cursed.
Watch out for the trap of wanting more than you already have since you are vulnerable to Eve’s mistake too. Understand that the lust of our human eyes is never satisfied (Pv 27:20). Don’t make the same mistake as Eve. Many people have harmed themselves and their families in pursuit of something ‘missing’ in their lives like more power, stuff, money, etc.
A call to contentment
You need to resist the temptations of more and something God hasn’t given you. There are millions of things in this world the devil will convince you that you need. Don’t fall for the trap. Instead, be content with everything in your life.
Think of your life as a plate of food that God has given you.
John responded, “No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven.” (Jn 3:27)
Accept the plate and be content with what is on it. Don’t become obsessed with what you don’t have but focus on the good God has given you. If you want more or something else, ask God but keep in mind that even God does not get everything He wants … He does not want anybody to be condemned but many will be (2 Pe 3:9).
Contentment stops you from chasing after things that could lead to ruin but it is more than that, contentment gives you great gain in life.
6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain. (1 Tim 6:6-10)
11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Php 4:11-13)
Keep in mind, if you’re not content with your life, you’re basically not happy or content with what God has provided.
Think about it
Are you truly content in all your circumstances right now?
Where are you currently most susceptible to discontentment?
Do you focus on the things you don’t have to the harm of what you do have?
Does thinking of everything in your life being from God help you to be more content?
How can you fight discontentment when it comes on you?
Do you count your blessings regularly?
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 