Finding Contentment Amidst Spiritual Discontent

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

In moments where we doubt the Lord, what can we look to that will lift us up.

Today’s devotional reading: Numbers 21:4-9

We ought not to complain about God’s giving, yet we often do. Discontentment is a serious issue that many of us believers face. We’ll look at what others have, and if we believe they have better, we’ll get frustrated. Many of us are born into a society that trains us that we have to be twice as good as those around us.

We will take this mindset into our faith, believing that if we pray to God, He will give us a great increase. If His giving doesn’t meet our expectations, then our discontentment grows. So, how do we become content amidst such frustrations?

1. Remember God’s desires towards you. When the Jews were carried away into exile in Babylon, there was great distress among the people. You could imagine that some of the people probably felt that God had betrayed them. Yet, the Lord shared His thoughts about the people with Jeremiah. God’s thoughts of peace, not evil; He desired to give them a future and hope (Jer. 29:11). This desire of God is the same towards all of His children.
2. Be prayerful. Rather than complaining and speaking against God’s giving, why not talk to God? Prayer is not only a means of God giving you something physically, but also a means of comfort. Paul encouraged believers not to grow anxious about anything! In everything – your anxieties, fears, worries, and your discontentment – we should pray. When we pray, the peace of God will comfort us and let us know that everything will be alright.
3. Remember God’s faithfulness. Christ promised that whatever we ask in His name, the Father will give to us so that He will be glorified (John 15:8; 16). God does not break His word! God will be faithful to you because He must be faithful to Himself first!

Let these thoughts give you comfort in any moments where you be discontent in your heart.