Ever wonder how to be content in life? How do we become content in a world that tells us we need MORE, MORE, MORE? We all fall into this trap of needing more and more to be content with ourselves, but we are never fully content.

God meant for us to be content. But how do we get there?? If you’re looking for prayers to help you be content in your life, I got you. Download my guide for elements of prayer to start growing in contentment through prayer.

I used to not be content in life. Like in everything. My possessions, job, marriage, parenting, everything. The issue was that I constantly looked at where I was lacking in all of these categories and compared myself to others. That was a dangerous place to be. When God showed me how to be content with what I have, my joy grew abundantly. I’m not as caught up in the trends, the comparison, the constant need for more, the thinking that others have a better marriage. Because the truth is, everyone has issues no matter how “perfect” their life seems. Let go of the comparison and let God have control.

Here are 5 steps of how to be content in life:

Stop comparing yourself to other people!

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.

Galatians 6:4

We are so caught up in what other people have or what other people are doing. STOP! Comparison is the thief of joy. Oh and versions of other people’s lives that you are seeing are filtered to be the best versions of life that these people want you to see. All of the bad is filtered out to leave a seemingly picture-perfect life. You will be left always wanting more when you play into comparison. Instead, focus on your relationship with Jesus and your spiritual growth.

The bible tells us about the ignorance of comparison. So, quit letting it steal your joy and just be content. If you don’t know how to stop comparing yourself to others, ask God to help you. I promise He will. You’ll learn and grow how to be content if you just let Him show you.

Say, “Thank you”

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A thankful heart can change an entire day. An entire attitude. An entire outlook. An entire life. The bible teaches us to be thankful in all things. Even the tough times are times where we learn and grow, so be thankful for the life lessons taught through the hard times.

When we show thankfulness it allows us to focus on the good and get through the tough times. Recount the blessings and there you will find contentment with what you have. I am constantly looking at bleak situations and thanking God for the lesson I’m learning through it. It’s a heart change that is necessary to be content. Let yourself have a change of heart and be thankful for all things.

Value Relationships, Not Money

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

We all want more money. More things. More junk. More clutter.

Quit wanting more. Quit it. Focus on your family, your friends, build mentoring relationships for you to learn and for you to teach others. When I finally got the job that I made more money at, I was miserable because I didn’t have the Godly relationships surrounding me. When I purposefully started seeking Godly relationships and quit chasing the money, life got better. Were there still struggles? Absolutely. But did I have a team of people to pray with me, for me and lift me up when I was down? Also, yes. The relationships make the hard times easier. God designed us to do life with others.

Focus on God

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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13

Lean on God instead of man. When I truly had to rely on God instead of my own ways, I learned to be content. He has provided all that I have needed. Seriously. When I didn’t even have money in the bank to buy food, I would ask God to provide and meals or groceries would just show up. He has provided everything. I’ve learned to be content with what I have because I know that He will give me exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. Everything else is just a distraction from what really matters, a relationships with our Lord and Savior.

Serve others

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13

When we put others before ourselves and put our desires on the back burner, we can find joy in what we have. I have come to find that I am more joyful when I am doing for others. I am not always wanting more when I see others with less or when I am helping someone else. Stop comparing yourself to other people and serve them.

For more tips on contentment, here are some related articles!

What does the bible say about contentment?

If You Don’t Feel Content, Read This.

What If You Pursued Contentment Rather Than Happiness?

Does Prayer Change Things?

Minimal Mom

If you’re looking for contentment within your marriage, I got you. I have a guide to prayer for your marriage. Download my guide and start growing in contentment in your marriage with your spouse!

I hope this helps guide you on how to be content in life. It starts with just one decision to make progress.

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