Contentment Brings Great Gains

Philippians 4:10-13, Proverbs 30:7-9

A grateful heart and mind produces a contentment that is otherwise swallowed up by discontentedness.

Soul Food

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.”

Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Soul Search

• How often do you think about the things you don’t have and become irritable or frustrated or depressed?
  Name some of the physical, material things you don’t have that bring upset.
  Name some of the qualities of life that elude you and bring you ‘down’ when you think about them.

• How often do you think about the things you do have and with a thankful heart become peaceful, happy, and content?
  Name some of the physical, material things that you have that bring joy and a ‘settledness’ to your life.
  Name some of the qualities of life that you have that bring you joy and contentment.

• Can you identify the things in your respective society, culture, or surroundings that breed disappointment and discontentment?
  In what ways do you encounter those things and/or in what ways do they encounter you?

• Are you generally a person who is content and happy and peaceful?
  If you are, why do you think you are?
  If you aren’t, why do you think you aren’t?

Soul Moves

• Do your best to honestly assess your ‘contentment’ score.
  On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being extremely discontent and 10 being extremely content, where would you say you land on the scale?

• Schedule time every day to thank God for the things and the people who you have in your life.
  Begin making a list of things to thank God for each day.
  Focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have.

• Make it a priority to thank the people in your life who are a blessing to you.
  Practice saying nice and encouraging things to the people who make a positive difference in your life.
  Make a list of people who need to hear the nice things you have to say about them.