Discontent is mentally and physically draining. Exhausting. Nothing left. In the psalmist’s words,
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you. (Psalm 73:22)
And then God breaks through the awful fog of despair. He comes, not with an accusing finger, but with His hand outstretched.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23,24)
Contentment comes when I embrace God’s presence — His constant Emmanuel, “God with us”
Contentment comes when I rely on His counsel — His Word must be “in me” for contentment to flow “from me.” The Bible is God’s Story. He has given us the privilege of knowing Him through His Word.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.(Psalm 25:4,5)
There are no shortcuts here. Reading God’s Word daily. Meditating on it. Memorizing. Not as a lucky charm. Not as an instruction manual. I come to God with an attitude of total submission to the One who created me, Who loves me, and Who has, in His mercy, granted me the profound privilege of being a part of His Story.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. (Psalm 73: 25-28)
Contentment comes when you accept joyfully that Jesus is better than _______. Financial security is an oxymoron. Relationships are with people as flawed as we. Circumstances can change in a moment.
Only God is constant in His love. In His mercy. In His Sovereign care. I can trust Him. I can be content.
Plea for Grace 
Thank you, Bev. I was telling a coworker yesterday that I am grateful God is growing me in the areas of trust and obedience, but that I was lacking to understand the joy right now. I (jokingly) looking up and said “Where’s my joy, Lord?” as if God could pour joy down on me like pixie dust. Thank you for the verses
I write what I’m living — what God is teaching me. The lessons never end. . .but God is ALWAYS faithful to give me what I need when I need it . .