“We often equate happiness with the amount of our paycheck.” Professor Daniel Kahneman, University of Princeton said regarding a study completed at the university, “Standard of living has increased dramatically and happiness has increased not at all.” This isn’t surprising information to Christians. Even Paul had issues with this very subject.
We can find wisdom in Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:12-13,
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
Paul continued his teaching and we find another jewel in verse 19 of the same chapter, which says,
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
A short version of those verses can be, Christ will give us strength to do what we need to do and He will provide for us by meeting our needs.
Discontentment is the theme for many women. The desire to have more, do more, and go more has blinded us to what our goal should be and that goal is to take care of our family first. I don’t mean to work more to get more, but to be there for our spouse and family emotionally as well as physically.
I’m not getting into a discussion about women working outside of the home. I’ve known women who worked because of the necessity in order to provide for the family or to help provide for the family. I was one of these women.
I’ve also known many stay at home moms and housewives. My mother was one who stayed home and raised her children. I believe each woman has to decide which is best for them and their situation.
What I do want to say about this subject is whatever we choose to do; we have to keep our family as a number one priority.
To be content is being satisfied with what you have in life. I doesn’t mean we should give up on dreams of a better life, or wanting better things for our family, but sometimes we are placed in situations in life for a reason. If we recognize that, we are one step closer to being happy and satisfied.
If having more and wanting more consumes your life, then you aren’t happy and neither are the people around you. If wanting more from your spouse, wanting more from your children, wanting more from your job occupies most of your thoughts, then it might be time to refocus and readjust.
Remember, if you aren’t happy, neither is your family, specifically your spouse. It takes both of you working together to achieve contentment in your marriage.
Together, make a list of what you both need to be happier and content. Set goals and look for ways to achieve the goals. Remember it might take a while to get there, but don’t allow contentment to be the missing link in your marriage.
