One of the Puritan writers Jeremiah Burroughs defines it this way – “Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submit to and delights in God’s wise and Fatherly disposal in every condition.” In other words a soul at peace with what God has provided.
My working definition comes from some advice I got from a buddy of mine at my wedding reception. He advised me to give Terri everything she wanted and then advised Terri to want only what she needed.
Contentment is being happy or satisfied with what you have. Which is the opposite of the American Dream- which says whatever you want you can have if you are willing to work for it. If you don’t like what you have get something else.
timhowington.com 