“A Triple Dog Dare to Change Your Week”

One thing that the Lord has been teaching me recently can be summed up in one word: contentment. There is so much to be content about, yet it always seems elusive.

What is contentment? Here is Google’s definition: a peaceful state of mind marked by happiness and satisfaction with your current life and what you have.

Be honest. When was the last time you felt actual contentment? If it has been a while, I think I can guess why. You want what is next. We tend to think that contentment is found in the elusive next… the next car, next house, next stage of life, next paycheck, next outfit, next you fill in the blank.

Then if we do not get the elusive next, contentment flees and resentment rises.

The Bible teaches about contentment, and it should amaze us. It can be summed up in one short sentence…

Contentment is learned, not earned. You will not find contentment in the next, or anything you can earn.

The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12, “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need” (CSB, emphasis added).

The key to contentment is this: learning to be content with where God has you right now. Learning to be content starts with the ultimate reason we can be content: God has sent us His Son to die for us, so that we can have eternal life. We do not have to fear death, the circumstances of life, or missing out on what this world can offer. We have God on our side, and eternity will be that great. If you don’t know where to look, start there.

Now, I want to triple dog to dare you to do something this week (yes it is that important, hence the triple dog dare). Every day this week I want you to come up with 5 things that God has given you to be content about. There is only one rule, it has to be a different list every day. Watch it change your outlook on your own circumstances.

Contentment is not based on circumstances.

Contentment is not earned.

Contentment is learned.