What does contentment look like?

What does contentment look like? Another move! Why can’t we just live here? Thoughts like this stirred my heart to righteous anger even though we had known this move will happen sooner rather than later. If a landlord uses tactics that may be legal but morally unhealthy, then do I become bitter?

Moving in the middle of winter presents its own set of encumbrances. Last winter when we moved in January, we had to postpone the movers a few days because of a huge snowstorm. The first day, the roads in our neighbourhood were packed with snow and snowbanks hampered visibility. Then, on the second day of our proposed move, our movers could not get their truck out of the snow. 

This year, once again, we face another move in January, but this time we’re prepared as we arranged an extended move weeks before and after Christmas. Is there a silver lining anywhere in all this? Perhaps. Lessons to help me grow spiritually by trusting God with my heart.

One dictionary meaning of contentment is “the state of being happy and satisfied.” We could also add other words such as comfort, gratitude, pleasure, peaceful or pleasure to the list. Any of these can be temporary depending on the attitude of the heart.

Contentment and desires of the heart

Contentment while dreaming of a better living situation is not a mutually exclusive idea. We can be content with what we have, and in my case, where I live and how many times I move. This will be our fourth move in the last five years while living in Southern Ontario, where real estate has sky rocked beyond reach. 

The Bible is full of scriptures about contentment and desires of the heart, but also warns about greed and wrong desires that are not good for us. Although Paul writes about his experiences of ship wrecks and lack, he concludes in having pleasure with the grace of God.

Is it Biblical to express your desires? If I express my want for something more stable, would it make me ungrateful? Shouldn’t I experience contentment in my life at the moment? As women, we can multitask while mixing our thoughts in several ways. God wants us to be thankful while we bring our desires to Him. And it promises benefits. A young, tender heart that continues to fly above the circumstances.

Secret to peaceful life

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:5

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Is there a secret to a contented life without problems? Contentment doesn’t mean we want less or have resigned to what is. We can enjoy life to the fullest with whatever our heart desires or dreams. 

As a woman in the older generation they call Baby Boomers, I can say of the past, like Paul, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” But I cannot honestly say, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” My spiritual growth still in process and if I ever master it I would be called to heaven where there is no more shadow and uncertainty. Where moving will never be an issue again!

Bring your dreams to God

Whatever your circumstance in life, you should not apathetically lay back, no matter what your age, but dream by taking a step towards it. It’s never too late to plan for the future while finding things to be thankful for. Whether you desire for a better job or a baby, a house or even to write a book, bring your desires to God, and he will guide your heart to know what’s best for you.

I acknowledge I’m looking forward to another move to plant some roots, at least for a while and fill my contentment bucket. This time, I will take the next step and hang up pictures on the walls and decorate according my dreams. Exciting days ahead.

What about you? What are you excited about? What brings you peace amid your circumstances?