I’ve always been told that you need to be content in the place that the Lord has you before He will bring about the next thing in life. But I always wondered…how will I really know that I’m content? If I say I’m content enough, will that make it so?

Is God watching me to see if I’m content so that when I finally reach that coveted plateau, He can move me along to something better? Which, for me, would be an end to this seemingly terminal case of singleness. This actually used to stress me out…a lot. With each passing year that I was still single, I vowed to work even harder on being content. Pray harder for it. Do something better than I had before in order to attain it. But guess what? I’ve realized that’s not how it works at all. Nope.

Contentment doesn’t come by working hard for it.

To be honest, I’ve thought very little about it lately. I just focus on doing what God has put in front of me to do now—and most importantly, I trust that where He has me at this moment is for my benefit and for His glory. Without even noticing it, my striving to reach contentment (which let’s be honest, was just a means to an end) faded away.

One ordinary day, while I was driving it suddenly occurred to me—I couldn’t remember the last time I’d worried about being content or single for that matter. I realized that I’d finally arrived. I was content. It wasn’t exactly the earth-shattering moment of revelation I had expected it to be. I just nodded to myself, thanked the Lord and kept driving.

Now, does this mean I’m content 100% of the time?  No. Of course not, I’m human. I still have moments of doubt and of self-pity. But for the most part, I’m honestly happy with where my life is. And I trust that the Lord knows better than me, what I need and when I need it. I don’t have to worry anymore or stress out about trying to make things happen on my own.

Maybe you can relate to what I’m talking about. Maybe, like me, you’ve been striving to be content, thinking it will earn you a gold star in Heaven so God will reward you. Can I say to you, don’t believe that lie—and don’t sell God short like that. What He wants to give you is so much better than whatever it is that you’re striving for. It’s true! Trust Him. Seek Him—and you might just find that contentment is easier to come by than you thought.

 

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.”—Psalm 4:5 NKJV