Have you ever wondered what the secret to a happy and successful life is? Could it be contentment? Contentment is an internal state of being satisfied and grateful with current circumstances.

James describes discontentment as someone who has selfishly focused on the accumulation of wealth and not the blessings of being a generous giver: James 5:1–3 (ESV) — ¹ Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. …³ Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire…

In contrast, Philippians 4:11–12 describes contentment as something that can be learned. (ESV) — ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² 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.

And finally, 1 Timothy links contentment to godliness. 1 Timothy 6:6–8 (ESV) — ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain, ⁷ for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Friend, you can experience contentment by learning to live a godly and grateful life.