“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”,  Philippians 4:11.

     Contentment is the state of being satisfied with one’s possessions, status or situation.  The opposite of contentment is discontentment.  Discontentment is not being satisfied.  If godliness with contentment is great gain, then discontentment brings a loss.

     Discontentment disregards the divine presence promised to God’s people.  The children of Israel had the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by the day. (Exodus 13:21-22)   This was their proof that God was with them.  Despite all that God did for Israel they complained. (Exodus 14:19-20; Numbers 11:1)  They were not satisfied, not content with how God was caring for them.

     Discontentment despises the promises of God.  When the children of Israel allowed dissatisfaction to grip their spirit, they despised the land of promise. (Psalms 106:24)  They only remembered the leeks, onions and garlic.  (Numbers 11:5)  Complaining caused them to prefer onions and garlic in Egypt’s hard bondage instead of freedom in a land flowing with milk and honey.

     We are quick to say “back in the day”!  Isn’t it true when we reflect back we tend to ignore, or rather, forget about the negatives.  Why does the past seem so inviting when we are dissatisfied with the present?  Is it because it is familiar, and we learned how to deal with the circumstances?  Is it because we settled into the routine of it all and know exactly what to expect?

     Discontentment despises the provision God makes for us.  For the children of Israel there was daily bread, manna, enough for everybody.  (Exodus 16:4; 14-18)  They got tired of eating manna everyday.  They were discontent and instead of the manna tasting like honey it began to taste like oil.  (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:6-8)

     The same is true today.  God is meeting our needs, day by day but we want more, we want better.  Everything else is good but “I am tired of eating manna everyday”.  That “but” has just ruined a once grateful heart.  That “but” is the beginning of a complaining heart.  Instead of acknowledging that God is all knowing and that He knows what is best for us, we cry the blues because we cannot have our way.

     Discontentment displeases God.  Murmuring keeps us from hearing the voice of God. (Numbers 11:1)  Discontentment is a natural part of our disposition, but contentment can be a major characteristic of our Christian life.  “Having food and raiment, let us be therefore content:” 1 Timothy 6:8.

     Discipline means to train.  The discipline of discontentment is to turn from a complaining spirit, and from the dissatisfaction that displeases God.  Train yourself to take control of the spirit of discontent and change it to a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.  Thank God for all that he has done will do and how he keeps us and provides for our every need.  You too can overcome the spirit of discontent.

Overcoming the spirit of discontentment,
Rosita