How to Fight Discontentment
Whether it's the Garden of Eden or your own life, discontentment is still the oldest trick in the book.
If Satan was able to convince Eve that her life in the Garden of Eden was far from perfect, how much easier do you think it would be for him to cast doubt on all the good things God has given you?
As you read through the following passage, consider what it reveals about the condition of Eve's heart:
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate…” (Genesis 3:6, ESV).
Everyone struggles with discontentment in some capacity. To add, it is perpetuated by our culture. We're told to chase the next best thing, never to settle and to focus on self-satisfaction.
In contrast, Christ calls us to a different kind of lifestyle; one that is filled with sacrificial love and selflessness. (Colossians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:3)
There are three points I want you to consider regarding Genesis 3:6. They are the things we need to guard our hearts against and the things that contributed to Eve giving in to sin.
1. She began to doubt: “So when the woman saw the tree was good for food…”
Like Eve, our blessings as homemakers can become overshadowed by doubt. Beautiful gifts from God can look like burdens when viewed in the wrong light. Our everyday tasks should be rich in gratitude, posturing our hearts towards God and his goodness. (Matthew 22:37)
How can you practice gratitude in your daily tasks?
2. She coveted: "and that it was a delight to the eyes…”
Our gratitude has a lot to do with our perception, and staring at the apple God has told you to avoid only broods discontentment. (Luke 12:15)
What are some ways you can guard your heart to prevent discontentment from taking root?
3. She desired something other than God: "and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise"
We need to fix our eyes on our Savior, knowing that He alone provides complete satisfaction. (Hebrews 12:2)
How can you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus this week?
Meet the Author || Maddie Powers
Maddie is a follower of Christ, wife of nine years, and mother to three young boys. She is a nurse turned stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Her passion is to share with wives, mothers, and women who are struggling with the mundane to see the beauty, importance, and worship that can be found in it. Maddie enjoys days spent by the ocean, hikes with her family, and a good book at the end of the day.
