We ALL carry around insecurities and comparisons that affect the way we see the world. Without realizing it, we are harboring bitterness in the recesses of our hearts by saying and believing things like…

• She has the wardrobe/job/money I want!
• Why does their family always get to go on trips?
• If only I could be her weight or be tan!
• Why does it seem like everyone is getting married/having babies/buying a house but me?
• If only I had THAT kind of relationship with my mom, boyfriend, best friend.
• I feel lost without that person/thing/situation that was taken away.

I’ve often wondered why we struggle with thoughts like these daily. What’s at the bottom of it all? Although many of the emotions are normal, taken too far, they are sinful. But friends, ALL these things are symptoms of a root problem: discontentment.

By saying these things, we are saying to God that we don’t trust Him and that His plan for our lives isn’t good enough.

When I dwell on this, I come under deep conviction and realize that my heart needs to be sanctified.

The reality is, we WILL all be called to different circumstances for God’s glory. And many of us will walk through painful and dark seasons when it seems like others are thriving. But in those moments, instead of asking, “Why me?” and growing in discontentment, I’m learning to ask, “Lord, what do you want me to learn through this?”

Yes, it hurts. But in each circumstance, the Savior is doing surgery—cutting out the parts of our heart that don’t belong. It will feel sore and unfair, but it is all part of growing to look like Him.

As we mature, we can be like Paul and say, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be CONTENT. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The beautiful part is—the more we strive to look like Christ, the more contentment and humility will become a part of who we are.

I see all throughout Scripture example’s of Christ’s humility—how He literally became sin in our place to set us free. I also see the contentment of He and His followers as they recognized that He was ENOUGH!

Jesus reminded the crowds in Matthew 6 not to worry about what they will have to eat or wear because HE will provide what they need.

Oftentimes our discontentment comes from our lack of trust in God’s provision. But the more we know and understand Him, the more we will trust Him, be content with all that He has given, and be compelled to be humble because of the great majesty and grace He has lavished upon us.