4 Ways for Finding Godly Contentment and Overcome the Need for Seeking Approval

Godly contentment brings a deep sense of satisfaction that affects every area of life.

For a long time, contentment eluded me and I sought satisfaction along paths that led to dead ends.

After placing my faith in Christ, a shift began in my spirit. I developed confidence, because of my trust in God, which led to feeling more satisfied and content.

Resting in the confidence that we are God’s beloved, redirects our need for approval seeking to know we are approved by God.

Godly contentment brings peace and a deep sense of comfort to your soul.

lady-Godly contentment

Obstacles to Finding Godly Contentment  

Besides approval seeking, other obstacles prevent us from finding Godly contentment. Obstacles include comparison, fear, worry, envy, and unrealized expectations.

The biggest obstacle to contentment has been a lack of confidence in my God-given identity.

Psalm 107:9 “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

“There are fewer things that I can think of that are more satisfying than resting in the salvation of the Lord. He is the God Who brings true satisfaction for the longing soul, and for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Life today may not be totally satisfying, however, we know that God will satisfy the longing soul who hungers for good things, and above all, the good things from God.”

Jack Wellman

Understanding your identity in Christ and that He alone satisfies your soul will empower you to overcome obstacles that prevent you from finding Godly contentment.

Seeking Approval Does Not Lead to Godly Contentment

As a teenager, I watched the movie Flashdance more times than I would like to admit. I loved the dancing, the great 80’s soundtrack, and Irene Cara’s song, “What a Feeling”.

The closing scene made this critically, underappreciated movie a big hit for me!

In my favorite scene (which is the only part I remember), Jennifer Beals’ character, Alex, auditions for a prestigious dance academy and is finally in a position to make her dancing dreams come true.

word applause-Godly contentmentAfter an opening mistake in her routine, she is given another chance and is finally approved and applauded for her talent and hard work.

The judges’ countenance changes from skeptic to over-the-top joy feet tapping, beaming smiles. The judges look so pleased with her, she is experiencing, “having it all!”

As I watched the movie, I would think that is how life works we dream, build relationships, work hard, succeed, and finally get approval. We are then happy and content just like Jennifer Beals.

I soon found out life doesn’t work like a movie and approval seeking does not lead to Godly contentment.

What I Learned About Seeking Approval:

  • Approval-seeking is a rough road that is perpetually dissatisfying and causes us to move from one disappointment to another.
  • The true joy in relationships and success is the people that walk beside us.
  • Seeking and receiving approval can leave us feeling empty and craving more.

Seeking Approval from Parents

For children seeking approval from parents is a natural expectation. When my children first said, “momma” or “dada”, took a step, ate their first bite of solid food, or extended kindness to a sibling, my husband and I enjoyed giving them praise.

We loved encouraging and affirming our children and building their self-esteem.

Like most children, as they got older, they had many interests and began receiving approval at school, in sports, dancing, and other activities.

These are important steps in a child’s development and in building self-confidence and character, but at some point, an unhealthy need for seeking approval disrupts our ability to find Godly contentment.

Developing Godly Contentment

Honestly, it feels good for people to have a favorable opinion of us. Most of us are happy when we are affirmed and liked by other people; I know I am.

But what are we willing to lose and how dependent are we on a favorable opinion from others?

Seeking approval interferes with developing Godly contentment when others’ approval becomes more important than seeing ourselves through the lens of God’s love for us.

Don’t get me wrong, I would rather receive approval instead of rejection, but I must manage the tension of liking approval instead of needing approval.

Contentment in God satisfies us because we rest in the assurance of who Jesus says we are and not on anything we do or don’t do.

Developing Godly contentment as we draw closer to Christ replaces our need for approval.

Words by Billy Graham-Godly Contentment

 

4 Reasons We Struggle Finding Godly Contentment

I have learned most of us struggle to find Godly contentment, and here are 4 reasons why:

  1. Self-Development

We get stuck and don’t move past the low feelings of ourselves most of us experience during adolescence.

In Psychology today, Carl E. Pickhardt Ph.D writes, “With so much growth and change going on in adolescence, so many challenges to be met, and so many comparisons constantly made to peers who seem to be doing better in so many ways, most teenagers have a low self-approval and a high self-disapproval rating much of the time. What they need from parents is boosting up, not being run down.”

  1. External Environment

Some of us didn’t receive much affirmation as a child, and our external environment did not contribute to building our confidence. What we didn’t receive as children can grow inside of us and become an unhealthy craving we take into adulthood unless we intentionally address it and heal.

  1. Approval Seeking and Low Self-Esteem

Our development and external environment can impact our self-esteem, but we can still lack esteem regardless of other factors in our life; positive or negative. Low self-esteem reveals a need for validation, but positive self-esteem reveals our respect and admiration for ourselves at the same level that God does; no more or less.

  1. Approval Seeking Personality

It has been studied and I have experienced that certain personality types long for praise more than others. The good news is Scientific studies are suggesting we can adjust our personalities.

“It is true that our traits are  relatively stable: But “relatively stable” does not mean “fixed”. Our day-to-day routines are “relatively stable,” but that doesn’t mean they can’t be altered. Similarly, personality changes across the lifespan, partly as a function of  major life transitions, and also  in response to intervention. Individual efforts to tinker with one’s traits  can be successful  and  may be beneficial.”

Luke D. Smillie Ph.D

These studies correspond with the message of Jesus…

We can change!

When we grow closer to Jesus and become more like him, we tweak what keeps us stuck in approval-seeking mode regardless of our past, environment, or personality type.

Chrystal McDowell writes,

“Some people are born with super-thick skin and have the innate ability to resist seeking the approval of others. Yet there are those of us who’ve struggled with people-pleasing most of our lives. We sometimes forget the most important stamp of approval comes from God.”

Girl with Sunflower-Godly Contentment

Releasing the Need for Seeking Approval

Realistically, most of us go through days, weeks, or months without receiving any approval at all. I know I do!

So, releasing the need for approval and growing in Godly contentment has led to a new kind of freedom for me and a change in my expectation of others.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10 ESV

For a long time, what was taught in this scripture eluded me and my soul felt dissatisfied. I had to ask myself, was the approval of others more important to me than the approval of God?

I had to experience for myself that Godly contentment and approval are unrelated.

Godly contentment leads to freedom and the confidence that we are walking in His affirming light and is not based on our position or circumstances.

What does the Bible say about Godly Contentment?

In the Bible, Jesus taught about abundant life to anyone who would listen. He was clear that a flourishing life had everything to do with our character and our love for God and others.

 “You’re blessed when you are content with just who you are-no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”

Matthew 5:5 MSG

When we question what does the Bible say about Godly contentment we can take a look at the sermon on the mount in the book of Matthew. Jesus addresses how to live a joy-filled, peaceful, contented life. Receiving approval is not even mentioned.

There is nothing inherently wrong with being recognized for our achievements. Problems arise when we crave approval and are overly dependent on affirmation to feel complete.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV

What is the Biblical definition of Godly Contentment?

The apostle Paul, who many consider a Christian hero, wrote powerful words about the Biblical definition of Godly contentment while experiencing pain, sorrow, and isolation.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or hunger, with plenty or little; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”

Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

Despite his many losses, Paul lived his life with an insatiable desire to grow closer to God and share that love with others. He experienced contentment in God and did not seek or receive approval.

Author Rob Kuban writes in his book Christ Centered Contentment:

The Bible calls us to  allow our convictions, not our circumstances, to govern our sense of contentment.  True, biblical contentment is a conviction that Christ’s power, purpose and provision is sufficient for every circumstance.

We are to learn how to walk through all kinds of adversity believing in and experiencing Christ’s sufficiency. We have to choose to rest on God’s good promises despite what may be going on in our lives.

The Biblical definition of Godly Contentment is based on our belief that we are made whole because of Jesus. His love embraces us which brings satisfaction regardless of our circumstances.

That, my friend, is good news!

rose-Godly contentment

 

4 Ways to Find Contentment in Christ

Just as Paul declared in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things, including learning to be content, through the strength we receive following Christ. Here are 4 ways to find contentment in Christ:

#1 Finding Contentment: Accept rejection.

That sounds crazy because rejection is not easy. But overcoming feeling rejected is a secret to moving past approval seeking.

Rejection and betrayal are part of life and help us grow closer to God when we realize our weaknesses are strengths. Our weakness reveals our dependence on God for a peaceful, free life.

#2 Finding Contentment: Take the attention off of ourselves and shine it on others.

We are given a fresh start when we trust our lives to Christ. Through His example of sacrificial love, we become His love ambassadors.

Taking attention off of ourselves and shining it on others is possible when we trust God. Leading people to the joy of life in Christ and helping them fulfill their Godly purpose brings contentment in Christ.

So, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we as Christ’s representatives plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. He made Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:21 NLT

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33 NLT

#3 Finding Contentment: Help others find contentment

Walking beside people as they wade through obstacles in life brings contentment in Christ.

It is refreshing when someone is willing to listen to our struggles, pray for us, and share Godly wisdom without inserting their own problems or agenda.

“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure ‘playactors’ I call them treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds.

They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”

Matthew 6:2-4 MSG

#4 Finding Contentment: Study the lives of ‘contentment warriors’ and develop their characteristics

Studying the life of Jesus, Paul and the other disciples is extremely helpful.

We can also read about other individuals who have demonstrated Godly character to help us focus on qualities that matter. Corrie Ten Boom is one of those people I love to read and write about.

“After her release from Ravensbruck Concentration Camp (age 52) Corrie traveled all around the world to tell everyone that, there no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still and that God will give us the love to be able to forgive our enemies.”

In more than 30 years, Corrie visited over 60 countries to testify to God’s love and to encourage people with the message that “Jesus is Victor.”

Words by Martin Luther-Godly Contentment

Contentment in God Helps Us Focus on Others

When we are content and grateful, because of who we are in Christ and not the approval of others or our circumstances, we can reach out.

The deep seeds of contentment in God take root when we focus on others—helping our children, bringing a meal to a family, giving up our seat for someone, or spending the afternoon talking to a friend in need.

Godly contentment is solidified in these little things that draw zero attention or approval but garner the most satisfaction in our hearts.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Would love to hear how you have fought the urge to seek approval and what brings you Godly contentment!

Author

Mary Roone Armand

Mary is the creator and writer for the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Her writing is featured on multiple websites. She is the author of, “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I Am in Christ”  and “Life Changing Stories“—a collaboration with 34 authors available on Amazon.

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Mary Rooney Armand

Mary Rooney Armand is an Author, Speaker, and Creator of the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Her stories help others grow in their intimacy with Christ and thrive in their relationships. Her work is featured on multiple websites including CrossMap, Woman of Noble Character, Pray with Confidence, and The Brave Women Series. Mary is the author of, “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I Am in Christ” and, “Life Changing Stories” a collaboration with 34 authors sharing stories of God’s faithfulness. Besides writing, Mary leads small groups and speaks at retreats. She directed Kids Hope USA, a mentoring program for children, worked in marketing and sales, and has led mission trips to Honduras. Mary is a life coach with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and an MBA. She and her wonderful husband Cory live in Louisiana and are the parents of four children, a new daughter-in-law, and two dogs! Connect with Mary on Instagram or Facebook.

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  1. Teeny on August 18, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Mary, I loved this entry! Very uplifting. Wonderful reminders to walk in who Christ says we are and find contentment there. I did not receive much positive encouragement as a child and my parents focused on what I did wrong. I found my encouragement outside the home when younger and then through Christ and my Christian community as an adult.
    It has made me realize how important it is to make an effort to believe in and encourage a child who seems to be on the outside or in a difficult family situation. A small effort can make a lasting change for the spirit of that small child who may feel insignificant.

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 20, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      Teeny, thanks for reading! You are right that even the smallest of efforts to children and adults alike can make a difference!

  2. Donna Miller on August 18, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    I love this Mary. Growing in my identity in Christ is something God has been talking to me about. You’re so right about how approval seeking, comparison and other things can aggravate our peace and contentment. Thank you for this well written article. I loved it … â¤

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 20, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      Donna, Thanks for reading and your encouraging words. It really does start with us embracing our identity in Christ!

  3. Alisa on August 19, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    Such an encouraging word, Mary! Identity is a topic that is sooo needed in our culture today. Thanks for sharing this message in Grace Girls!

  4. Deb Wolf on August 19, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    I was a people-pleaser for way too long – it took a major rejection in my life for me to finally get to the place where I found freedom and contentment in the Lord alone. Thanks for this great word of encouragement. God bless!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 20, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      Deb, how wonderful that you were able to overcome people-pleasing. It can be such a trap. Thank you for reading and encouraging!

  5. Sarah on August 19, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    This is really powerful””the difference between liking approval and needing approval really struck me!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 20, 2020 at 10:24 pm

      Sarah, I am so glad you found it helpful. Thank you for reading!

  6. Lori on August 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm

    Such an important topic. I’m working on overcoming rejection. It’s hard but I like how you mentioned that Paul was not concerned with being rejected. He was so powerfully used by God and it didn’t matter who accepted Him or not 🙂

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 20, 2020 at 10:25 pm

      Lori, rejection is painful and can take a while to overcome. I pray God continues to help you walk through it! Thanks for reading!

  7. LeighAnne on August 20, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    Thanks for such truth! Saving this one to read again!!

  8. Angela Johnson on August 21, 2020 at 12:31 am

    Great post! There is so much to think about in this post. It really made me ask myself about my seeking approval from others and my contentment in God. I am definitely sharing.

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 21, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Angela, Thank you for reading and I pray it provides insight!

  9. Amanda Geidl on August 24, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Thank you for sharing! I had never made the connection between approval seeking and contentment. It’s so true that we have to rest in our identity in Christ to be content. Even as we house hunt in the coming weeks, I fee the temptation to seek approval in what kind of house we get””bigger and better to others may not be what God has for us””but I can see that apart from Christ, I am prone to wanting others’ approval of how cute my home is, etc. Thanks for pointing out the truth here!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 25, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      Amanda, I am glad you got some good insights! It is often a temptation to seek approval for most of us. Thanks for reading!

  10. Teresa Hodge on August 25, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Finding contentment is key to enjoying the abundant life Jesus promises. My contentment is based in who God says I am…His child! And it doesn’t matter what others think or say, as long as He is pleased with my life! Thank you for this much needed reminder! Blessings!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 25, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Teresa, abosolutely! thanks for reading and your added insights!

  11. faithfilleddaughter on August 25, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you for writing this! I am a terrible people pleaser and getting the approval of others is a huge area of struggle for me. I love that you also tell us how to find contentment in Christ, that really helps to put things into more perspective. Great post!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 25, 2020 at 7:22 pm

      So glad it was helpful and pray you continue to overcome your struggle. Thanks for reading!

  12. kariminter on August 25, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    This is such an important truth! But so much easier to think than to practice! I go through seasons where my identity is firm and seasons where I feel weak but so thankful God uses them all to teach me a little deeper about my identity in him. Thanks so much for this post!

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 31, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Kari, it is wonderful how God can use our hard times to help us grow closer to Him. Thanks for reading!

  13. Hephzibah on August 27, 2020 at 5:46 am

    Hi Mary! Great post! And an important reminder as well! Thanks for sharing! God bless!

  14. Summer on August 29, 2020 at 6:14 am

    I think of my kids when I read this post. In my youth, I struggled with achieving the approval of my peers. I think most teens do. I want my kids to learn Godly Contentment and will work on teaching them this. Love this quote: “Problems arise when we crave approval and are overly dependent on affirmation to feel complete.”

  15. Evangeline Samuel on August 30, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    “Seeking approval interferes with developing Godly contentment when others’ approval becomes more important than seeing ourselves through the lens of God’s love for us.”

    How true these words are ! They really hit home. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 31, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Evangeline, thanks for reading and I am so thankful my words were helpful!

  16. Betty Rojugbokan on August 30, 2020 at 11:36 pm

    One of my favorite Bible verses is
    1 Timothy 6:6
    But godliness with contentment is great gain.

    Seeking approval from men is often fraught with heart aches because no one is perfect.

    Thanks for sharing all these wonderful points.

    • Mary Rooney Armand on August 31, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Betty, thanks for reading and sharing the wonderful scripture!

  17. Elizabeth on August 31, 2020 at 12:18 am

    Very important topic! I was just having a conversation with someone on it. It is something we all struggle with

  18. Boma on September 25, 2020 at 12:13 pm

    And, releasing this need for approval grants us so much freedom. Thanks for sharing. Many blessings to you!

  19. […] they will be blessed with life, but knowing our purpose can add years to our life and help us find contentment and […]

  20. Lisa notes... on September 30, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    Finding our contentment in Christ is the only resting place I can find. Otherwise I do tend to compare, always coming up short. It’s a miserable feeling.

    I watched Flashdance back in the day too. I even added the leg warmers for my own aerobics class. 🙂

  21. Teaching Kids How to Develop Strong Character on December 5, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    […] we love and serve God, we start to choose traits that are part of His Godly character. Not because we have to, but because we want […]

  22. How to Persevere when You Feel like Giving Up on December 19, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    […] used to be super competitive but have mellowed some, not complacent, just more content and at peace with what I am supposed to be […]

  23. […] when my true identity in Christ, the benefits have been overwhelming. I found a new purpose, true contentment, and the ability to better love those around me. I have learned to trust God in good times and […]

  24. […] I have witnessed so many examples of how the Bible can change your life. The more I invest in reading and studying the Bible the closer I grow to God and understand His story and experience Godly contentment. […]

  25. […] We feel there may be something better than we will miss if we are involved in our current pursuit. This fear sounds frivolous to some, but “FOMO” can be a real hindrance to experiencing God’s best in the here and now. It can also limit our ability to find Godly contentment. […]

  26. […] learn to hear His voice, so they can develop a personal relationship with Him and find a sense of contentment and […]

  27. […] Forgiveness is a choice that frees us to determine if a relationship can move on toward growth or if a relationship needs to change or end. The decision to forgive may not feel good at the moment but leads to long-lasting contentment. […]

  28. […] Godly contentment or soul satisfaction is an elusive journey when we run from success to success. But when we fail or […]

  29. […] to understand it is more blessed to give than receive because the act of generosity brings peace, contentment, and true […]

  30. Adwoa on July 5, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    I’ve been blessed. God bless you so much.
    I really needed this.

    • Mary Rooney Armand on July 6, 2021 at 8:01 am

      God bless you! Thanks for reading and glad it was helpful!

  31. […] goals is similar to connecting dots in a mystery picture. The mystery is finding a path to Godly contentment, peace, and joy while cultivating my God-given gifts and pursuing my purpose, Each dot helps me […]

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