Time for change or time to be content?

We’re all searching for something better, something more, something to satisfy us.  Some people are deciding what new health regimen to begin and, others budget their finances, thinking money will solve their problems, and someone, who has tried every avenue, decides to grow closer to God this year. All to start the year off right and make life better.

New Year’s resolutions: changing your lifestyle to be something better.

Change is good and will satisfy you…right?

How many times will we set New Year’s resolutions thinking, “This is the year. This time it will be different. Next time, I won’t need to set a New Year’s resolution because everything will be set right this year.”  

Choosing a healthier, wiser, or more productive lifestyle isn’t bad. However, accomplishing your goals, won’t satisfy you. There will always be another goal to set because we are continually learning and growing and changing.

Perhaps, before we set a resolution for the new year, we should think about what we already have or are already doing in our life that is good.

Maybe this is the year that you appreciate and don’t take for granted what is already good in your life. Or maybe, you do need to make an important change in your life, but first realize that that is not going to satisfy you.

Author, actor and blogger Jon Jorgenson in his blog post titled, “More,” says, “Contentment is the highest form of achievement.”

Realize that no matter the millions of changes that you make of your circumstance. You won’t always be satisfied until you are satisfied in the Lord.

Personally, I struggle with contentment. I’m always thinking about the future, how I can improve myself, and what else there is to learn. Desiring to learn or improve yourself isn’t wrong, but it can be if you let it consume you and you’re seeking the wrong satisfaction. Like, I do with thinking the future will be better and easier if I do this, this, and this. No matter how many times I imagine my way around future obstacles, life won’t be easy.

Every situation and circumstance of life has difficulties. Life changes. Circumstances change. No matter how many times you try to change it for the better, you’re only going to find dissatisfaction. Unless, you’re seeking the Lord. God doesn’t change. He is constant.

Finding God and following Him is the only change that you can make that will bring complete satisfaction and peace.

Read Philippians 4. I think it does well to show what this satisfaction, contentment, and peace in God looks like and how to get there. If you didn’t read it, here are some excerpts and things to think about.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," says Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV).