We often ask ourselves these types of questions:

    Wouldn’t I like to be in relationship with someone else? 

    Don’t I deserve a person who loves me? 

    Aren’t I worth much more pay? 

    Don’t I deserve a salary much more rewarding?

    During the temptations, Satan wanted to find where Jesus may be dissatisfied because that would signal where He was most vulnerable. Dissatisfaction in all three of the temptations, the overarching theme was to locate where Jesus may be discontent, and that would determine the archenemy’s starting point. 

    In 1965, a hit song came out by the Rolling Stones, that’s still played on classic radio stations today: “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” It became one of the top hits of all time. It’s almost prophetic. 

    The devil’s bottom line to tempt you and me is to get us to feel dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. 

    Disappointed with our marriage. 

    Discontented with our salary. 

    Bored with our church. 

    Dissatisfied with our car. 

    Displeased with our house. 

    Dissatisfied with our faith. 

    It’s time to get back to Jesus! 

Jesus models contentment for us: 

    When Jesus was sleeping in the boat, during the storm, it was because He was content in the protection of His Father. The disciples panicked and awakened Him from sleep with the words, “Don’t you care that we are perishing!?” Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea became calm. He turned to His disciples and said, “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Notice the words “No faith.” 

    Dissatisfaction reflects disappointment in God; He’s not treating us right.

THE SOLUTION TO DISSATISFACTION:

    What’s the solution? How can we combat dissatisfaction?

    Look for the good in every situation and be thankful for the blessings God has given. We do not need a drawer full of bling or a bank account of millions in order to be content. “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). 

    Practice looking for Jesus. If you look for what’s bad in your spouse, you’ll find that you married a bad spouse! If you look for what is bad in your life, you’ll see that you’re in a mess. If you look for what’s out of date in your car, you’ll be dissatisfied with it. If you compare your smartphone, monthly payment plan, interest rate, with someone else’s, you’ll want something better. Bad news is everywhere.

    Practice looking at Jesus (Heb. 12:2). You’ll see Him everywhere. Look for what’s good and you’ll find that the way God is treating you is better than you deserve!

Paul Holland