The Keys to Contentment

As single women, we spend a considerable amount of time focused on what we don’t have. It’s no secret that the vast majority of us desire to be married, and many of us have allowed this goal to consume our lives. However, rather than bringing joy and peace, you have likely found this pursuit is the source of much of your unhappiness.

Most people believe that contentment requires them to be satisfied with their life and current state as is and desiring nothing more. However, that’s a misconception because contentment does not negate your aspirations to do, achieve or have more, but rather provides peace for the journey by enabling you to enjoy right now.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”- Frederick Keonig

Contentment is defined as an attitude of quiet happiness toward life. It is characterized by a conviction that God is always with His people and based on faith that He will always provide for them, whatever their circumstances.

If you are consumed with seeking after what you don’t have, you won’t enjoy what you have already been given. Contentment is essential to improving your quality of your life and it will serve you well during your singleness as well as during your married life.

…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Just because we're single does not mean contenment must elude us.  Use these keys to contentment to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

Keys to Contentment

• Recognize you are Blessed - Just because you are not yet married does not mean you are not blessed beyond measure. Take some time to list all the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.(Your list should go well beyond material possessions.) God has blessed you with things you don’t deserve as well as kept things you do deserve from becoming your downfall.

• Stop Complaining - Complaining does nothing to rectify or improve a situation. Complaining is often a sign of ungratefulness so your first response should be thankfulness. When you find yourself complaining, stop and think about something for which you are thankful. Next, think about what action is required to resolve the issue, get to work at doing just that, then thank God for giving you the opportunity to do something about it.

• Have a Thankful Spirit - Since we are so blessed, we should be thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 tell us to give thanks in all circumstances. Spend some time giving thanks to God not just all that He has done for you, but for who He is to you.

• Look for the Good in People and Things - It's so easy to see the negative and take things at face value, but things aren’t always as they appear on the surface. Don’t just assume the worst, try to view both people and circumstances from God’s perspective.

• Give to Others - As Christians we are blessed to be a blessing so some aspect of lives should involve giving. We all have something to give and it doesn’t always require money. We have been blessed with time, talent and treasure and out of our abundance we should give. If it’s nothing more than a smile, you have something to give to help brighten someone else’s day.

• Enjoy each Day - Each day is a gift from God. How you choose to spend it is up to you, but my recommendation is to find a way to enjoy each day you are alive. “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalm 118:24

• Pray - Prayer brings peace that sustains you through all of life’s ups and down. It is by prayer and through faith in Jesus Christ that you will actually achieve contentment.

Apply these keys to contentment to your life to help improve your quality of life. It is imperative for us as single women to learn how to be content in this season because it is a trait that is essential in every season of the Christian life. Remember contentment is not found in things or someone, it is only found in Christ.

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