Defeating Discontentment

Summer at Bay Chapel | June 30, 2024

Pastor Wes Morris

I Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV) But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.


✓ Discontentment isn’t an issue of how much or how little I have...it’s an issue of my heart.

Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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…

✓ Discontentment begins when my desires are distorted.

James 1:14-15 (ESV) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

✓ Discontentment magnifies what is past and vilifies what is present.

Exodus 16:1-3 (MSG) On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the wilderness. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. The Israelites said, “Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!”

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 34:8 (ESV) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 23:1 (ESV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 103:5 (ESV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

DEFEATING DISCONTENTMENT

I. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.


II. THINK ABOUT THE RIGHT THINGS.

Lamentations 3:19-24 (NIV) I remember my affliction and my wandering. I remember how bitter my life was. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”


III. BE CONTENT WITH MY THINGS.

Philippians 4:12 (MSG) I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Contentment is more than focusing on what we have. It is focusing on the fact that all we do have, we have by the grace of God. - Jerry Bridges, Author


IV. TRUST GOD IN ALL THINGS.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.