Thanksgiving for Discontentment

Scripture clearly points out that thankfulness and contentment in our circumstances is important. Paul talks very clearly about the idea of being thankful to a God that loves us and wants us to remember his faithfulness in all our circumstances.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

“Be thankful. [Have] gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:15-17).

But I wonder…Is discontent always unhealthy? What does the bible say?

I think back to the Israelites as they left Egypt headed for the “Promised Land.” There was a two fold feel about Egypt from the Israelites. They hated that they were treated the way that they were in Egypt. They were discontent in Egypt and wanted to be a people that were free. On the other hand, they were comfortable in Egypt. Even though they had to be slaves, this is the only land that they knew. They leave Egypt, headed for the desert to follow the “I AM” on a journey.

The Israelites are discontent in Egypt as I am to be discontent with the former self that I have in me. Paul says that “we cannot be conformed to the pattern of this world, but we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” I cannot be content living in sin. God abhors sin. He hates it! We have a sin nature that we are called to be discontent with. Are you discontent with your Egypt?

The Israelites stumbled when they were discontent with the journey that God had taken them on through the desert. I can’t be discontent and am called to be thankful when I am walking in the journey of life that God has called me to walk.

God, help me to walk with you and be thankful always for you pulling me from my Egypt and leading me on this incredible journey to YOU!