That Awkward Moment When: you know you should be content with what you have, but you just…want…more.

Recently, a friend of mine posed a question that expressed so well what I had been feeling lately. Here is what she asked:

How does one reconcile themselves into contentment when their ambition is always at war with their unchanging circumstances?

Essentially, we know that as Christians we should be content:

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to bound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:11-13

Now, being content does not mean we can’t want things or long for more. It just means that we are at peace and satisfied whether or not those things come along, which is an act of faith on our part. It signifies that we have put our trust in God to take care of our needs, and that we know He has our best interest in mind. We may still have goals, but knowing that God has a plan brings comfort and assurance that His plans for us are far greater than our own. We also know that regardless of the things we see as obstacles, God is bigger! He is bigger than our circumstances, our finances, our abilities, our needs, our wants, ourselves!

How do we, like my friend asked, find reconciliation between where we are and where we want to be? Waiting for those things to come can have an impact on our contentment. We start to feel suspended in time, or just plain stuck in a rut. We look around and see no way out.

What do we do when those feelings begin to take over?

We need to shift our perspective. We walk in the direction we put our gaze upon. If we become fixated on our circumstances, we will stop moving forward. It’s also easy to can get tunnel vision and feel like we’re in the same place when in actuality, we are not. When the Israelites were traveling through the desert, they were IN the same place – the desert – for a long time; however, just because they were in same place doesn’t mean they were in the same space. Sometimes, while we may be in the same place, we need to recognize that we have actually made progress and are not where we started. We need to stop looking down and around, thinking we haven’t made any headway just because we still see sand. We need to instead shift our perspective upward unto God, and allow Him to reveal to us all that has been accomplished.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1

Once we look to Him, our perspective can change in many ways. We can start seeing how far God has truly brought us and how we are more fortunate than we once may have thought. We further develop our trust in Him and His plans for us. We can also begin to see our situations for what they can be, allowing the experiences we face to prepare us for the blessings in store and shape us into the people He desires us to become.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

It’s one thing to know these things, but HOW do we change our perspective? How do we keep ourselves in check and keep ourselves motivated? When I find myself waiting, I try to follow the three things mentioned in Romans 12:12:

• Rejoice in hope – This has two parts: Joy and Hope. We don’t have to rejoice in what’s happening, but we can find joy through it. We can cling to the hope that there is more, that God is faithful, and that He has a plan. That hope keeps our eyes turned toward Him, which in turn brings joy!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to arm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

• Patient in tribulation – I am NOT patient on my own, but the knowledge that my situation is for a reason, that there are lessons and experiences to gain, and that everything is going to work out, sustains me and renews that sense of contentment.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

• Continue steadfastly in prayer – whenever we feel like we’re getting off track, the best things we can do is pray, pray, PRAY! When we seek His face in prayer, we know that He will hear us!

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” First John 5:14

Also, when we begin to seek Him and HIS desires for us above our own, His will and blessings can take place, which are good, and perfect….and far exceed our own ideas and aspirations.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ” Matthew 7:7-11

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

His Word is there to lead, guide, and direct us. It will show us the way and speak truth into our minds and hearts. His presence is always available. We need only to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us bringing all the peace, joy, hope, strength, and contentment we seek.