To be content simply means to be satisfied or to be in a state of satisfaction. Being content is a proactive choice and approach to everything in life. To be content doesn't mean that one is happy during hard times but it means that one is satisfied with life because he/she knows that God has everything under control.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Timothy really put things into perspective in this verse. We are so blessed that we tend to miss the point most of the time. This verse tells us that we should content with the basic life amenities that God has given us.
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
These are Jesus's words and here is spoke, painting a clear picture that we should not covert but rather be contented with what we have. If jealousy of others push us to gain what they have, then we have clearly missed the point. He said "for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.", This tells us not to be swayed by the glamour and prestige around us as they are attempts of the devil to keep us worldly minded and not eternally minded
2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
The phrase "for Christ's sake" in the verse tells us that it is only for the sake of Christ that we can be content. For Christ willing came down from the heavens to earth, knowing that men will lead him to a horrific death on the cross, where He who was sinless to the sins of the entire world upon himself, so we can be save and holy before God. This is why we can be content, no matter what life throws at us. So we can be content because of the abundance of love that Christ has for us.
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
The above verse are the words of our Christ Jesus. Worry is the opposite of content and as such, Christ had told us not to worry as the heavenly father would always provide for us. For if we continue to worry, it shows that we are not fully trusting in God
Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
This is one of the world's most popular Bible verse and in those words, one can clearly see, hear and feel the utmost and highest form of contentment as David, through trust and faith in God, know that he'd never be left wanting. God is the Shepard and we are the sheep, he would always provide for us, no matter the situation, all we need to do his trust his promise (Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 11:28-29)
Other verses
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
In the above verses, it is clearly stated that we are to be content. Even the apostle Paul said it in Philippians, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content", telling us that we should be content at all times, no matter the situation. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me", this verse is to be engraved into our heart as without Christ, we cannot achieve anything nor can we achieve genuine contentment.
When we focus on the word, we can respond appropriately to all situations. Christ is our saviour and he would never forsake us.
Conclusion
The verses above will help us learn how to be satisfied with all things and If one is not satisfied, it is simply because his/her worldly desires are coming in the way of God's desires. When we desire what he desires, we will Experience the utmost contentment.
