Joy In Contentment Series

INTRODUCTION: The Art of Missing Today

Good morning, Church! Today, we continue our series, "Enjoy Life," by addressing a key to true joy: contentment

Let’s begin with a confession:

we’re not very good at living in the present.

We tend to live our lives on pause or fast-forward:

• Some of us pause our live in the past — reliving regrets or the "good old days."

• Others fast-forward to the future — waiting for the next milestone to finally start living.

We say:

“I’ll be happy when…”

• When I finish this project.

• When I get married.

• When the kids are older.

• When the holidays come.

• When I retire.

• When that’s over!

But God invites us to enjoy life now - Not just someday.

• Not when things are perfect.

• Not when your problems disappear.

• Not when you finally “arrive.”

You don’t need a perfect life to be content.

You need a perfect present Saviour.

________________________________________

1. THE MYTH OF “WHEN”

We’re surrounded by a culture that feeds discontent.

Marketing constantly tells us:

“You’re not there yet.”

“You’re missing something.”

“Upgrade, change, improve, hustle!”

But Ecclesiastes 6:9 cuts through the noise:

“Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite.”

Translation?

It’s better to enjoy what you have than always crave what’s next.

But we adults so often DON’T enjoy what we have.

• We get the job — then want a promotion.

• We get a new gadget, and a few weeks later — we want to newer model.

• We finally get some rest — then feel guilty for not doing more.

Here’s the Point:

Contentment isn’t about getting more.

It’s about learning to love what you already have.

2. THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT

Paul, writing from prison in Philippians 4:11–13, says:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need..Ind to have plenty..I have learned the secret of being content..I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Notice a few things in this verse:

• Contentment is learned – it doesn’t come naturally.

• It’s not tied to circumstances – Paul had lived with abundance and with lack.

• The secret? Christ is enough.

This isn’t about denial or fake smiles.

Paul doesn’t pretend hardship isn’t hard.

He simply declares: “Jesus is stronger than my situation.”

Quote:

Corrie ten Boom, who endured a Nazi concentration camp, once said:

“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.”

________________________________________

3. EMBRACING TODAY

Psalm 118:24 says:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

• Not yesterday, which we can’t change.

• Not tomorrow, which we can’t control.

• This is the day.

God meets us in today.

He gives

manna for today,

grace for today,

peace for today.

Illustration:

Imagine using a camera.

If you’re always zoomed in on the past (behind you) or trying to focus way ahead,

you’ll blur the beauty of what’s right in front of you.

Contentment is choosing to zoom in on now.

Point: You can only enjoy life when you live the life you’re living now — not where you wish you were.

________________________________________

4. PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD CONTENTMENT

Let’s get practical.

Contentment grows with intention (learn to do it)

Here are three simple, life-giving habits to help you enjoy life in the present:

________________________________________

A. Start with Purpose

Each morning, write down three things you want to do that day.

Not a long to-do list.

Just three small, meaningful (achievable) actions:

• Call a friend

• Read Scripture

• Go for a walk

• Clean that drawer

This isn’t about productivity — it’s about purpose.

It keeps you grounded in the now.

This isn’t about wanting more and better –

it’s about doing something achievable today,

with what you’ve got today so that . . .

you don’t focus on the what you don’t have – and may never have in the future.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

So – start with a purpose for that day. Also

________________________________________

B. Seek God's Voice Daily

Take a few minutes every day to invite God into your day.

Ask Him:

• “What’s Your plan for me today?”

• “What should I notice?”

• “Who do you want me to love today?”

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6

Even a short prayer or a moment of silence can anchor your heart.

________________________________________

C. Declutter Your Life

Clutter isn’t just about messy drawers or overstuffed wardrobes.

It's deeper than that.

It’s emotional. It’s spiritual.

It’s the mental noise we carry,