After years of faithful ministry, I don’t see the results I expect. I am discontent. I have a house large enough to host a church dinner, a reliable car that can bring women to the retreat and Christian friends who show love to me. I am still discontent.

By contrast, Paul speaks in Philippians 4 of being content when he is needy and when he has abundance, when he is low and when he abounds. Paul faced difficult circumstances and, yet, learned contentment. This fact and a recent sermon give me hope that I can make progress in being a student of contentment.

Some women I know express lofty expectations for life. They often seem disappointed, especially with their husbands. I secretly label them as “high maintenance.” At this point, I am being self-righteous. In my deepest thoughts, I, too, express unbelief. First, I need to take the speck out of my own eye. (Luke 6:42)

Furthermore, I am learning that God does not want me to have a stoic approach to life. For example, living a contented life does not rule out praying and working for positive change in my ministry, finances or relationships. In addition, I can make my needs known to others. Paul did this. A true test of learning contentment is what I do when circumstances do not change, and I don’t get what I want. Do I continue to trust God then? (Job 13:15)

The main emphasis of my life should be conforming to God’s will. I am not a prisoner of my circumstances or felt needs; they don’t drive or control me. I may see my life as terrible and elevate comfort as my goal. At this point, I am making an idol of my circumstances. Instead, I need to be a prisoner of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:1)

It is scary to trust God because the future is wildly unpredictable. I don’t always know what to expect when serving God in my ministry, but I am not left alone. I know that the Gospel of the triune God will strengthen me in every situation to do His will. May I dwell gladly in what He sends. (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13)

Of equal importance is the cultivation of contentment in pleasant circumstances. The Bible warns about forgetting about God when things are going well. I need to express gratitude to Him for what I am given. (Deuteronomy 8: 11-20)

Learning contentment is hard work, and I am a reluctant student. But, I pray that I may glorify God by learning my lessons well.

Patsy Evans has a B.A. in Journalism from Penn State University.  She is married to Brad Evans who is the long-term pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Coventry (PCA) in Coventry, CT. Patsy blogs, along with her daughter, at Sunday Women where this article first appeared; it is used with permission