Contentment: ‘In a state of peaceful happiness/ happiness and satisfaction’
My understanding of the meaning of contentment was to be happy with what you have however, it was skewed towards ‘just making do’ with whatever cards one is dealt with. I’ve only recently realised this is not only impractical, but it doesn’t make any sense.
This understanding of contentment gave way to a course of resentment and a side of comparison that literally robbed the joy out of me. I didn’t see it that way of course, I just felt I was being dealt a poorer hand and resigned myself to just deal with what I had. I was ‘making do’.
So now confusion AND frustration are also in the mix and there is no peace within me because I want more of ‘what they have’. What I was already blessed with was not enough for me. Instead of nurturing and enjoying the fruits of my own garden I was dreaming up ways to include elements that were probably unsuitable for its habitat. Even though they seem perfectly reasonable it just doesn’t happen to be the natural order. Which is fine!
Overthinking is an enemy in SOOOOO many formations.
Synonyms for the word contentment include: peace, satisfaction, comfort, pleasure and gratification.
My prior understanding of the word contentment bred a dark cloud that was limiting and felt like being content was ‘settling’. When in reality it gives the freedom to explore, enjoy and expand! The difference is, in this way you won’t be doing it out of distaste, fear or judgement. It’ll be love.
If you replace the word ‘content’ with ‘peaceful’ in the following scripture it should help this to make more sense:
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Lyrical Honey 