Being content is rare in this world. There is always something bigger, better, newer, and brighter. There is always someone prettier, skinnier, smarter and younger. In a world filled with discontent, how can we be at peace and have a content heart?

The answer is Christ.

Christ gives us the strength we need to overcome the pulling of the world and of self. He can fill us up with His love and His Spirit where there is not any room for discontent. He can keep us grounded and secure. How can this happen?

The answer is in surrendering all your heart’s desires to Him.

I remember a time in my 20’s when Chad and I lived in an old blue house that was far from our dream home. It was old, had a leaky roof and pink carpet in the den. (It’s hard to match stuff with pink carpet) For several years I was very discontent living there. I was always searching for another house to rent or buy. I griped and complained to Chad that “everyone” our age lived in newer, nicer homes. I believed the lie that my identity was wrapped up in where I lived. I even struggled with feeling like God was holding out on me.

After about three years of living there (and complaining) God spoke clearly to my heart. He wanted me to be thankful for what I did have and not long for what I didn’t have. As I repented for being ungrateful and complaining, it was at that time I began to embrace the old house. We painted the living room a fresh bright color that didn’t clash with the pink carpet. We painted the boys’ rooms with bright blues and deep turquoise. We planted a beautiful flower garden in the front that seemed to be blessed by God. Beautiful purple, yellow and hot pink flowers grew in abundance. Slowly but surely, as I focused on God’s blessings and praised Him, the house felt like home. I still wanted a newer home. However, I surrendered that desire to the Lord. I told Him if it was best for us to get a newer home I would praise Him. However, if we stayed there for 30 years I would still praise Him.

We lived in that old house for 8 years before we had the opportunity to move to newer home. And guess what? All five of us missed that old house for several months after moving into the newer one. Wonderful memories were made in that old house. Birthdays were celebrated there. Family get togethers were hosted there. Church Home groups studied and prayed there. You see, God taught my young heart something important: God knows what we need, when we need it and He has a plan. We can trust Him and as we surrender our will for His, He can make us content anywhere.

You may be in a place physically, mentally or emotionally that is not comfortable. You are crying out to God to change the situation and feel like He is holding out on you. He is not ignoring you. He may change things soon or He may just change your heart while you are waiting. Either way, He can be trusted and because of that, we can be content in whatever place God has us planted right now.💛