Discontent vs. Satisfied
By Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of June 18, 2023
The title of this message describes states of being. So, we can be either discontent or satisfied. This, in itself, is something to ponder, and we can better see what God is saying here when we break it down.
So, let’s begin with definitions of these words.
First, dis (as in discontent) is an action word itself. According to Dictionary.com, when used along with an object, dis demonstrates disrespect or belittling. As a noun, dis is an insult or a criticism.
So, dis is not just a slang term. In mythology, Dis is the name of a “god of the underworld,” and references “the abode of the dead.” The Greek equivalent of “Dis” is the word Hades.
If this isn’t creepy enough, dis is a variant of “di,” as in the word di-vision, and it’s also an abbreviation for the word distance. DIS is also the trademark of the global entertainment company known as Disney.
As a prefix, such as in the word, discontent, dis indicates reversal, removal, lack or deprivation. Words related to dis are: disconnect, disembark, dissimilate, distrust, and disgrace.
The outward expression of discontent is contention, such as conflicts of strife and stubbornness. When we look at these definitions, it’s easy to see how we can grow to be discontent when our focus isn’t on Jesus.
Discontent is rooted in thoughts and actions of false pride, which is basically choosing our arrogant ways above God’s, precisely the attitude of Lucifer. And, like Lucifer, when we operate in a lack of grace (or disgrace), we can find ourselves falling (from grace), just as he did by his own volition.
Since God is our Source for contentment and satisfaction at all times in our John 10:10 battle, His grace purposes to work on our behalves. After all, when we have Jesus, we already have it all; and believing anything less is believing a lie.
Vine’s Dictionary confirms this. When we look up the word “content,” we find that it means “to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing”; hence “to defend, ward off.” So, we see here that to be content is to be equipped and well-able for battle in life. Content also means to be satisfied. Holy Scriptures specifically reference being satisfied in regards to wages, food and what we have (Luke 3:14, 1 Timothy 6:8, Hebrews 13:5).
In all of these truths, I’m reminded of God’s sufficient grace for us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 and that He’s well-able to accomplish the impossible in our lives. With this, I’m made even more aware of God’s offering of faith to us and His invitation to activate it as a bridge to His gift of powerful grace at work for us.
I’m reminded that, when we don’t operate in God’s grace, we operate in another type of dependency, which is usually our flesh. We know that the flesh is prone to various types of lust (strong desires) and addictions that produce opposition to God’s best and, ultimately, discontent and dissatisfaction.
This is a revealing of what we follow. It’s proof of what we value. As believers, our worth is found only in Christ and received by faith, which begs the question: Who or what are we following? The Spirit of Truth and Grace Himself (Jesus) or the enemy through disgraceful lies?
If we’re determined to experience God’s best, the false god of “my way” (self), or any way other than Jesus, must go. When we live in submission to Him daily, He will transform us into His beautiful likeness, as He renews our minds by bringing us into all truth.
When we intentionally choose to go deep with Him and get to the root of our personal issues, as He leads, we’ll discover He was there waiting for us all along. Breakthrough comes as His light overtakes the dark areas of the soul when we firmly decide to trust Him enough to allow Him into those deep recesses and relinquish all pain to Him.
This is deep calling to deep. It’s how trust is built and how we come to know Him more intimately as our all-in-all. This is how we overcome inward afflictions of discontent. His truth is the only way that completely delivers.
As we walk forward with Him, we must consistently make Him—as Provider of all our needs—our focus; because we become what we behold. We must grow in this truth of Him as our more-than-enough, the only One who doesn’t disappoint.
God is for us and calls us to be un-provoke-able through this journey of contentment and satisfaction in Him. His way of faith in His grace pleases Him. And it’s the way to His greatest blessings.
Therefore, we must settle any distrust we feel toward God, knowing it’s not of Him but from the enemy of the soul, who tries to negate God’s blessings in our lives. We must let go of any disappointment that we either brought on ourselves or was imposed on us by others. Although He will use it for good, it was never a reflection of God’s best for us. He invites us to discern this truth, so we can be delivered from unholy alignments and agree with His vision for victory in divine appointments forward.
Dear Lord,
We submit to You this day. Search our hearts and settle our matters for Your glory. We welcome You and thank You for doing that which only You can do.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
Amen.
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ.
Originally published Sunday, 18 June 2023.
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