William Post won $16 million in the lottery in 1988. What seemed like a dream turned into a nightmare. He was sued, his brother tried to have him killed, he was eventually arrested, and he died $1 million in debt. He is quoted as once saying, “I wish it never happened. It was a total nightmare. I was much happier when I was broke.”

His story echoes Solomon’s observation: There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. (Ecclesiastes 6:1–2)

These verses are a sad way to live. This is the life of one “who loves money not being satisfied with money” (5:10). He doesn’t “accept his lot” (5:19) to soon find out he has everything he wants but nothing that he needs. In summary, he lacks contentment.

Compare this to how the Apostle Paul learned to live.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)

Contentment is not based on how much or how little we have; it is based on our ability to trust God in all circumstances and always be satisfied with him. This does not come naturally, so how can we get there?

1.  Know contentment comes from Christ. When we know the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8), it is easier to keep things of this world in perspective.
2. Focus on the goodness of God and the gifts He has provided, both material and non-material.
3. Give your time and resources to those in need.
4. Pursue excellence and personal achievements as ways to honor God with your life instead of for the monetary benefits.
5. Learn to tell yourself “no” and consistently live within your means.
6. Trust God in all your circumstances, knowing He is caring for you whether you have little or much.

Contentment may not come easy, but it is better than winning the lottery. How will you grow in contentment today?

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.