Contentedness- being satisfied with what you have

In a world always looking for more, it's hard to accept it when things won't get any better. In these situations, the only way is God.

In Philippians 4:11-13, it says:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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 in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

This passage is proof of the fugaciousness of happiness; based on circumstance rather than acceptance.

These days, contentedness is often misinterpreted.

From my experience, when taught at school what it is to be contented, we are taught about gratefulness - being grateful for what we have, not what we want. This idea in itself is true, as we can see in the verse above, but it is the explanation that follows that deceives.

Once gratefulness is acknowledged, it is easy to connect contentedness with perspective; as if they work alongside each other. But, while getting perspective is an important thing, it isn’t the key to contentedness. This is because the issue isn’t how bad things are in our lives. The issue is us. Our constant demand for something better, our desire of 'happiness'. Our corrupt way of living ultimately leads to our discontentedness, which is with us wherever we go - no matter our level of happiness.

Overall, it isn’t the one who has the most, but the one who chooses to accept what they have, who is truly contented. This peace that is obtained not by work or the merits of your own doing, but by God.