CONTENTMENT

In today’s material world it is very difficult to be satisfied. A new mobile phone is not so new a month later. All around there is enticement, a better watch, a better phone, better looks, covetous personality, and the list goes on and on and on. Is it possible to be averse to this kind of pressure? How can one be content? Being content in a materialistic world, where competition amongst siblings, family and peers is so fierce that nothing is satisfying, and contentment seems almost impossible. However, despite the situation God advices us to be content with what we have [74:6] Be content with your lot. Surely! There is truth to this statement.

Contentment is a state of satisfaction and happiness. A contented man is pleased with what he has. He does not make himself miserable by envying those who have what he does not.

But how does one go about being satisfied? I felt the pressure of keeping up with everyone was getting too much and it was impossible to be content, till I spoke to a friend who shared light on how she deals with the situation. Simply changing ones perspective helps to cope with the situation. Be happy with what you have, rather than what you don’t have. Look around and you will see how blessed you are. Looking at those less fortunate rather than

at those more privileged helps put things in the right perspective, because looking at those more privileged can make one feel weak, vulnerable and envious. It brings about unrighteous thoughts about the object of envy and can conjure fictitious situations; situations that can drive one crazy about what will people think about me if I don’t have this or don’t have that. Instead, look at the brighter side of things—be appreciative of what you have instead of mourning about what you don’t have and may never have.

The moment we look at those who are less privileged than us, we immediately realize how fortunate we are. How blessed we are to have all the comforts of life that a lot of people envy. We don’t go to bed hungry or live at a shelter. We are not lonely and lost. We are better off than most people. Moreover, we are guided and have a chance at eternal happiness.

[2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners.

[7:10] We have established you on earth, and we have provided for you the means of support therein. Rarely are you appreciative.

Contentment breeds happiness. It is, therefore, worth cultivating and is achievable if we take our cues from God, this is God’s guarantee.

[48:4] He is the One who places contentment into the hearts of believers to augment more faith, in addition to their faith. To GOD belongs all forces of the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

 

God does not command us to do anything that is impossible, nor is he unreasonable in his demands.

God's Tests Are Never Unreasonable

[4:66] Had we decreed for them: "You must offer your lives," or "Give up your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith.

We know that wants are insatiable. While there is nothing wrong in wanting the great materials of this world, it is wrong to get miserable and make those around you miserable in trying to achieve it. After all:

[3:109] To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth, and all matters are controlled by GOD.

If we are able to remember this simple fact, then what we have or don’t have will really not matter and contentment will indeed breed joy and peace.

RD

[Ed note: At this time of year, when much of the world is consumed with “buy, buy, buy,” it’s a good time for us to take stock of what we have and be thankful to God for those blessings. It’s good for us always to remember that happiness isn’t a new iPhone;  “Happiness is Submission to God.”]