Contentment isn’t about a temporary feeling of happiness. It’s a steadfast satisfaction that comes from within.
Talking Points:
- Contentment is a state of peace separate from our circumstances. J.I. Packer says, “Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good.” Philippians 4:12
- The key to our contentment lies in our perspective. Our perspective is limited. God’s perspective is limitless. He sees past, present and future. He knows the whole story from beginning to end so his perspective is more comprehensive and therefore more valuable to us. Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 40:28-31
- The more we read God’s word, and apply it to our lives, the more our lives will be filled with God’s perspective. And, the more we understand his perspective, the more content we will become. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 3:8-9
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about a person in your life who seems to have it all yet never seems satisfied. Why do you think they struggle to be satisfied?
- Do you know someone who doesn’t have much yet seems at peace with their life? To what would they attribute their peace and happiness?
- Think about the definition of contentment. Have you ever experienced a time when you were scared but had a peace about the situation? Explain.
- Read Isaiah 40:28-31 J.I Packer says that we can trust God because he is good. Do you believe that? Explain.
- Read Philippians 4:12. What do you think Paul’s secret to contentment was? How does our perspective change our outlook on life? Give an example of how your attitude affected the way you experienced something.
- Why is it that we tend to learn more from the harder things in life than from the good things? How has God used a challenge in your life to strengthen you?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:8-9. How does God’s word help us in life? How will learning more about God’s ways help you face future struggles?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This lesson has been adapted from chapter 1 of Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.
