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June 12, 2026

The Learned Art of Contentment

June 12, 2026 by ROBIN LEE COVINGTON CONTENTMENT Comparison Contentment
The Learned Art of Contentment
  • by ROBIN LEE COVINGTON
  • Comment
“Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways.”
Psalms 119:37

Usually, I am pretty content.


Content until I fall into the trap of browsing Instagram photos of beautiful homes, perfect families, and fashionable women. Suddenly, I'm disappointed with my life, how it looks, and where I live. I compare my circumstances with global workers living in a house with a yard and ministering in a harvest field. I convince myself that if my circumstances were different, my ministry would flourish.


I've often heard the quote, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Well, I was quickly losing my joy. I was so busy looking at the world and letting worthless things alter my expectations and moods.


I realized I needed to add a new picture to my Instagram feed.


Contentment.


Contentment is "the state of being happy and satisfied." I often wonder if some people are born contented. Does it come more naturally to some?


The apostle Paul wrote about contentment in his letter to the Philippians. He explained in Philippians 4:11, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."


Paul wrote that he had learned to be content. He wasn't born contented.


So, I began the pursuit of contentment.


A quote from the book Calm My Anxious Heart began to haunt me. "Finding contentment takes a shift in attitude, not a change of circumstance." How often did I pray for a change of circumstance when what I needed was a shift in my attitude?


Contentment means accepting God's assigned cup and portion. He knows what is best for me, and I had to learn to view my allotted cup as a gift. As Elisabeth Elliot wrote: "A quiet heart is content with what God gives."


Yes, I still struggle at times to find contentment. When that happens, I stop and recall Paul's words on contentment written as he sat in jail. I take a minute to adjust my attitude, and remember that with God's strength, I can find contentment despite my circumstances.


I shift my focus to God and ask Him to turn my eyes from focusing on what is worthless. I've learned to find contentment and life in His ways.

Closing Prayer
Father, today I thank you for the things of eternal significance in my life. Help me to turn my eyes away from worthless things, and to focus on you. Help me learn to be content with the portion and cup you have given me. Amen.
Resources
Book: Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment by Linda Dillow This book is a classic on the subject of contentment. It was written by a global worker, which resonated with my heart. I wished I'd read this book early in my overseas ministry, and even now, I often refer back to the words in its pages.
Question for Reflection

Look back at your day and examine your focus. Did you spend most of your time dwelling on the positives or negatives? On circumstances? On worthless things? Do you need to change your focus?

Comments
Robin Lee Covington
June 12, 2026

I've found it easy to slowly slide into an attitude of comparison, constant complaint, and negativity. It's easy to believe that if God called me to be a global worker, everything should be easy. But it is often in the midst of difficult circumstances that God teaches me the most significant lessons. When I lift my eyes to Him, those worthless things fall to the wayside, and I can find contentment. A shift in attitude and focus makes the difference.