Benjamin Franklin reportedly said “Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor” (circa 1879). So much of our mental health and wellbeing is tied up, not in our circumstances, but in our response to our circumstances.

We can’t always control where we live, our family situation, our financial situation, our health etc. What we can control, is our response. We can choose to find the bright side and wake up each day grateful the sun has come up and we’re alive and breathing, or we can choose to find the negatives, wake up each day and complain about being another day older and deeper in debt.

Contentment is all about finding the positives in where you are right now. In the Bible, Paul said “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV)

As Christians we find our strength and our hope for the future in Jesus, and it helps us to find contentment in our lives, no matter the circumstances. If you’re struggling to find contentment in your life, maybe the bible is worth a look.