“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”

One of the greatest struggles in life is learning to be content. Many Christians desire to live godly lives but find themselves dissatisfied with their current circumstances. They work hard, serve in ministry, and seek success, yet they feel something is missing. Often, they try to fill this void with material possessions, achievements, or even excessive work and church activities. They justify their actions in the name of serving God but have, in fact, lost their joy and peace. True contentment does not come from doing more; it comes from trusting more.

I used to be very ambitious and wanted to succeed in life. I toiled hard and sought wealth because, according to the world, wealth meant success. No matter how hard I tried, I was never truly satisfied. I was always restless, always striving, and often losing sleep over my next big move. I too justified my actions in the name of serving God. I had convinced myself that if I got more wealth, I could do more for God’s Kingdom. Although there is a certain truth to it, I realized I was slowly beginning to serve my goal, rather than my God.

One day, I came across this verse and felt deeply challenged. I asked myself, why I lacked contentment. Why was I always chasing after something that never seemed to bring lasting joy? I read the book of Malachi, chapter 3, and decided to put God to the test for three to six months. Instead of chasing wealth and worldly success, I committed to giving away generously and cheerfully whatever I could. I decided to trust God fully and see what would happen.

Initially, I thought like a businessman. If this didn’t work, I would simply stop and consider it a failed investment. I would return to my old ways of striving. But God never let me down. As I gave, I found that I never lacked. My needs were always met, and I began to experience peace and joy I had never known before. It has been a little over 18 years now, and my giving and trusting in God has only increased.

Though I am not super wealthy, neither am I in want. I have learned to be content; and in that contentment, I have discovered true wealth. There is so much peace and joy in simply trusting God and serving Him with a grateful heart.

True contentment comes when we stop striving and start trusting. When we learn to rest in God’s provision, we discover that we already have all we need.

I have personally learned four valuable lessons in my faith journey to contentment.

1. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude—Instead of focusing on what we lack, let us give thanks for what we have. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance.
2. Trust in God’s Provision—Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (not monthly bread or yearly bread). This reminds us that God provides for our needs one day at a time.
3. Avoid Comparison—Contentment fades when we compare ourselves to others. Instead of measuring success by worldly standards, let us seek to please God.
4. Live Generously—A content heart is a giving heart. When we give and share with others, we acknowledge that all we have comes from God.

True godliness with contentment is indeed great wealth. When we learn to trust in God rather than in our own efforts, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding. Our circumstances may change, but God remains faithful. May we choose to live with grateful hearts, trusting that we have all that we need in Him.

By Santosh Chandan, Bible League International staff, New Zealand