Dissatisfaction

<<discontent>>

Dissatisfaction is when the focus of attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have and think we should have. This results in complaining, fault finding and negativeness. The Israelites forgot that God had set them free from Egyptian slavery and was leading them into their own land, providing manna to eat – but they wanted meat as well (Num 11:4-35). There were better things up ahead but they only saw the immediate and short-term deprivations.

Instead of thinking about unfilled desires and grumbling because of what you don’t have, spend time enjoying and praising God for the blessings you do have. As believers we have the resources of Christ (Eph 3:16-19). We may be envious of the unsaved who

Shift the focus from self to others

appear to have more, "Until I considered..." when things come into true perspective (Ps 73:17). "A man's life doesn't consist in the abundance of their possessions" rather their standing with God is the crucial issue (Lk 12:15). Don’t continually seek new thrills or experiences for yourself, instead in maturity and contentment minister the love of Jesus to others, by being outward focused. Paul said, godliness with contentment is a great asset, God providing us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim 6:6,17). All our desires are to be in submission to Him and we are not to desire what is not for our ultimate good or in agreement with His will.

Our thought life needs to come under the control of the Holy Spirit for the eyes of the natural man are never satisfied; lusting after more and better possessions and even different marriage partners when difficulties arise (Prov 27:20; Mt 5:27,28; 1 Jn 2:15).

A righteous dissatisfaction

We each have different God-given giftings; don’t envy what another has, instead develop the ability He has given to fulfill your calling (1 Cor 12:1-31). Try to

excel in whatever you do so this ‘good’ dissatisfaction will enable you to continually raise your level of expertise and effectiveness for His Kingdom. In our Christian walk, while grateful for our salvation and experience in Christ thus far keep pressing on into a deeper life and richer walk with Him, so don’t settle for what you currently have – there is so much more available to us in Christ "there is yet much land to be taken" (Josh 13:1). This was the attitude of Paul who said, "Not that I have already obtained all this...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Phil 3:12).