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31-Day Devotionals for Life
Contentment: Seeing God's Goodness
Discontent easily arises when our desires aren’t met and our plans don’t come true—but this is a dangerous path that drives us away from God. While the world insists that satisfying our desires is the path to fulfillment, this daily devotional teaches us the value of seeking contentment instead, providing practical approaches to cultivating thankfulness in specific life circumstances that make discontent easy.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
72 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hill
17 books34 followersMegan Hill is a pastor’s wife and a pastor’s daughter who has spent her life praying with others. She serves on the editorial board for Christianity Today and is a regular contributor to Her.meneutics and the Gospel Coalition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 11, 2020
I loved these practical short devotionals that brought the fight for contentment into the every day life situations. I appreciated Megan’s stories of heroes of the faith, as well as suggestions of how to pray for contentment specifically in that day. Would 10/10 recommend.
November 30, 2025
Such a good devotional rooted in scripture. It was sweet to walk through this during the month of November since this is usually the time of year where I feel the most discontent. I liked how the book was split into sections and how each day had reflection questions, reflection scriptures to read, and an action to do or to think about based on that days topic.
September 28, 2018
First sentence: I thought that the coat would change everything. Red canvas, with large pockets and a brown corduroy collar, this coat was just what every student in my seventh-grade class wanted.
Contentment: Seeing God's Goodness is a devotional book on the topic of contentment. Because discontent can come anytime, anywhere AND since it's a sneaky sin that tends to fly under the radar, it's important for believers to be aware and pay attention. It is, in fact, key to cultivate contentment.
The devotions are divided into several sections: "The Value of Contentment," "Finding Contentment by Looking to Christ," "Cultivating a Right Understanding of My Circumstances," "Cultivating Right Desires," "Cultivating a Thankful Heart," and "Pursuing Contentment in Specific Circumstances." There are thirty-one devotions in all. Each devotion begins with scripture and ends with reflection and/or activities.
I enjoyed reading this devotion. I know that I can be quite hard on devotional books now and then. But I like taking chances on devotionals. I like being surprised when a devotional is packed with insight and substance instead of mere fluff. This one was worth my time, and I think it will be worth your time too.
One of her devotions, for example, shares four benefits of contentment:
1. Contentment makes us ready to worship God. When we worship, in private or in public, we acknowledge that God alone is God and that we are his humble creatures who owe him our very selves. If we are contented, we will be eager to sing and pray and listen to the God who does all things well (see Job 1:20–21).
2. Contentment allows us to experience and display God’s grace. Contentment does not come naturally to anyone. Apart from grace, all people grumble and complain almost without pause. But by his Spirit God transforms us, making us content and displaying his power to everyone who sees our lives.
3. Contentment frees us to serve God and others. If we are constantly preoccupied with our own situation—the things we lack or the things we wish were different—we won’t be looking for opportunities to serve. The most useful people in God’s kingdom are those who trust the Lord regardless of outward circumstances.
4. Contentment keeps us from various temptations to sin. When we are always thinking about what we would like to change in our circumstances, Satan is quick to respond. He will eagerly tempt us to sinfully demand (or take) the things that God hasn’t given us (see Gen. 3:1–5; James 4:1–2). If, instead, we are satisfied with what God has given, we will not give Satan an opportunity in our hearts.
Another shares three reasons why discontent is so wrong:
What makes discontent so serious? Consider three things: 1. Discontent is rebellion against God. When we complain about the things God has done or the things he has withheld, we accuse him of acting wrongly. 2. Discontent keeps us from love for God. If we believe that God has acted wrongly, we will not serve and love him with heart, soul, mind, and strength (see Mark 12:30). 3. Discontent leads to other sins. Idolatry, selfishness, anger, covetousness, slander, stealing, adultery, and even murder often begin as discontent (see, for example, Rom. 1:21–32; James 4:1–3).
I would definitely recommend this devotional.
Contentment: Seeing God's Goodness is a devotional book on the topic of contentment. Because discontent can come anytime, anywhere AND since it's a sneaky sin that tends to fly under the radar, it's important for believers to be aware and pay attention. It is, in fact, key to cultivate contentment.
The devotions are divided into several sections: "The Value of Contentment," "Finding Contentment by Looking to Christ," "Cultivating a Right Understanding of My Circumstances," "Cultivating Right Desires," "Cultivating a Thankful Heart," and "Pursuing Contentment in Specific Circumstances." There are thirty-one devotions in all. Each devotion begins with scripture and ends with reflection and/or activities.
I enjoyed reading this devotion. I know that I can be quite hard on devotional books now and then. But I like taking chances on devotionals. I like being surprised when a devotional is packed with insight and substance instead of mere fluff. This one was worth my time, and I think it will be worth your time too.
One of her devotions, for example, shares four benefits of contentment:
1. Contentment makes us ready to worship God. When we worship, in private or in public, we acknowledge that God alone is God and that we are his humble creatures who owe him our very selves. If we are contented, we will be eager to sing and pray and listen to the God who does all things well (see Job 1:20–21).
2. Contentment allows us to experience and display God’s grace. Contentment does not come naturally to anyone. Apart from grace, all people grumble and complain almost without pause. But by his Spirit God transforms us, making us content and displaying his power to everyone who sees our lives.
3. Contentment frees us to serve God and others. If we are constantly preoccupied with our own situation—the things we lack or the things we wish were different—we won’t be looking for opportunities to serve. The most useful people in God’s kingdom are those who trust the Lord regardless of outward circumstances.
4. Contentment keeps us from various temptations to sin. When we are always thinking about what we would like to change in our circumstances, Satan is quick to respond. He will eagerly tempt us to sinfully demand (or take) the things that God hasn’t given us (see Gen. 3:1–5; James 4:1–2). If, instead, we are satisfied with what God has given, we will not give Satan an opportunity in our hearts.
Another shares three reasons why discontent is so wrong:
What makes discontent so serious? Consider three things: 1. Discontent is rebellion against God. When we complain about the things God has done or the things he has withheld, we accuse him of acting wrongly. 2. Discontent keeps us from love for God. If we believe that God has acted wrongly, we will not serve and love him with heart, soul, mind, and strength (see Mark 12:30). 3. Discontent leads to other sins. Idolatry, selfishness, anger, covetousness, slander, stealing, adultery, and even murder often begin as discontent (see, for example, Rom. 1:21–32; James 4:1–3).
I would definitely recommend this devotional.
December 21, 2025
This is excellent. Though I don’t think devotionals are my thing exactly, I would highly recommend this one.
I was supposed to finish this in November with my church and left the last few until today. Oops
One qualm would be that while I read the last few pages, my husband was making me listen to TobyMac music from the 2000s and I was seriously doubting if the contentment devotional had made any mark on my soul for that half hour period.
Format: physical copy
I was supposed to finish this in November with my church and left the last few until today. Oops
One qualm would be that while I read the last few pages, my husband was making me listen to TobyMac music from the 2000s and I was seriously doubting if the contentment devotional had made any mark on my soul for that half hour period.
Format: physical copy
July 14, 2023
I really, really wanted to like this book, but sadly I would not recommend it as a discipleship material. While Hill never explicitly says anything that isn’t biblical, she makes no acknowledgment of human emotion or pain, especially when talking about contentment through difficult life circumstances.
Discontentment through a terminal medical diagnosis or infertility is considered the same as discontentment over the quality of coffee served in the workplace. This is an extremely callous and unhelpful approach. Yes, through Christ we can be content in even the worst of circumstances, but it should be acknowledged that finding and clinging to that contentment in some circumstances is much harder than in others. Practical advice for doing this would have been helpful, rather than just a stern admonishment to be thankful and rejoice in our suffering and moving on to the next point.
Ultimately this devotional read more like a lecture than a useful discipleship tool. As someone who went through a long period of infertility and struggled with a sinful heart full of bitterness and discontent for much of that season, I know that this book would have made me feel mostly guilt and shame in that season rather than conviction.
Discontentment through a terminal medical diagnosis or infertility is considered the same as discontentment over the quality of coffee served in the workplace. This is an extremely callous and unhelpful approach. Yes, through Christ we can be content in even the worst of circumstances, but it should be acknowledged that finding and clinging to that contentment in some circumstances is much harder than in others. Practical advice for doing this would have been helpful, rather than just a stern admonishment to be thankful and rejoice in our suffering and moving on to the next point.
Ultimately this devotional read more like a lecture than a useful discipleship tool. As someone who went through a long period of infertility and struggled with a sinful heart full of bitterness and discontent for much of that season, I know that this book would have made me feel mostly guilt and shame in that season rather than conviction.
April 13, 2022
This devotional is biblically sound and so encouraging. In the summer of 2020, our church gave a copy to each of our members. Since that time, I found myself picking it up every now and then--whenever I sensed I needed to regain perspective or to consciously remind myself of all that I have and am in Christ. Through her transparency and warm application of Scripture to life, Megan counseled my heart over and over gain. I highly recommend this devotional.
September 3, 2022
I received this as a gift back in the summer of 2020. I didn’t read it until this summer and I’m so glad I did. The timing was just right too; it was just what I needed after a summer that could’ve been viewed as full of discontent and heartbreak. I’m so thankful that I serve a God that provides great help in time of need and He heals broken hearts. I did not know who Megan Hill was prior to reading this book, but I will look for more of her works in the near future.
June 9, 2021
Great devotional on contentment. Do you truly have contentment?
May 3, 2020
I found this a useful little daily read, focusing on our own hearts as we seek deeper contentment in the Lord. It has helpful questions at the end of each day for when you wish to delve deeper.
December 1, 2025
loved how much scripture was included! enjoyed the reflection and action section at the end of each day. great devo would recommend to anyone! contentment is hard!
November 12, 2018
Like so many of the P&R titles, this is a profound and beautiful book.
As I prayerfully read "Contentment," I was reminded of biblical truth and encouraged/equipped to act in accordance with sound theology. I was drawn to worship Christ and thus, to turn away from my fear-soaked, other-and-self-centered, “constant state of distress, anxiety, and regret” (page 19). Through sound biblical teaching applied to the challenges of real life, Megan Hill helped me to turn away from my propensity to live as a malcontent. By the time I read the Conclusion, I had soaked in the brightness of Truth for so long that the fleeting “treasures” of this world really did grow strangely dim. I was renewed in my call to “take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19).
Oh! And because of the way it is organized, this book is SO practical for personal study and application--AND for group study and application ...
Unlike most “questions for reflection”—which, all too often, drive us to the darkening despair that descends whenever we focus on our strength and our efforts—Megan Hill wraps each chapter with redemptive questions for reflection and life-giving challenges to act. Rather than cringe and skim (my usual response to the legalistic millstone necklaces that most authors provide in their “application” sections), I eagerly anticipated the questions for reflection and the specific calls to action provided at the end of each chapter. As I slowed down to relish some of the best writing of the entire book, my heart was called to pray, and the eyes of my heart were brightened by hope (Ephesians 1:18).
It is my pleasure to recommend Megan Hill's "Contentment" unreservedly and with much appreciation. And I offer a sincere THANK YOU to the entire P&R Publishing team for yet another edifying and God-centered title.
In Christ our Hope and Joy,
Tara Barthel
www.TaraBarthel.com
As I prayerfully read "Contentment," I was reminded of biblical truth and encouraged/equipped to act in accordance with sound theology. I was drawn to worship Christ and thus, to turn away from my fear-soaked, other-and-self-centered, “constant state of distress, anxiety, and regret” (page 19). Through sound biblical teaching applied to the challenges of real life, Megan Hill helped me to turn away from my propensity to live as a malcontent. By the time I read the Conclusion, I had soaked in the brightness of Truth for so long that the fleeting “treasures” of this world really did grow strangely dim. I was renewed in my call to “take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19).
Oh! And because of the way it is organized, this book is SO practical for personal study and application--AND for group study and application ...
Unlike most “questions for reflection”—which, all too often, drive us to the darkening despair that descends whenever we focus on our strength and our efforts—Megan Hill wraps each chapter with redemptive questions for reflection and life-giving challenges to act. Rather than cringe and skim (my usual response to the legalistic millstone necklaces that most authors provide in their “application” sections), I eagerly anticipated the questions for reflection and the specific calls to action provided at the end of each chapter. As I slowed down to relish some of the best writing of the entire book, my heart was called to pray, and the eyes of my heart were brightened by hope (Ephesians 1:18).
It is my pleasure to recommend Megan Hill's "Contentment" unreservedly and with much appreciation. And I offer a sincere THANK YOU to the entire P&R Publishing team for yet another edifying and God-centered title.
In Christ our Hope and Joy,
Tara Barthel
www.TaraBarthel.com
July 14, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. A close friend recommended it and they said they really enjoyed it. I read to day 14 but found I wasn't enjoying it.
First, I felt like many of the examples or stories used to illustrate a devotional day were ones that I have heard before in sermon illustrations so I didn't find as much original content.
Second, I could feel the author's Reformed bent as the wording and attitude felt more religious than relational. That doesn't always happen with reformed authors but I think some of you might understand what I mean. Though she emphasized our depravity and need to rely on the Lord, I felt that her lessons leaned towards "do better" without as many personal tips or examples.
I agreed with Hill's points, I didn't feel that things were wrong but that it was more of a lecture than a helpful discipleship in contentment.
This was one of 4 books I bought on the topic and after struggling with this one I moved on to "Choosing Contentment" by Jessica Mathisen. I immediately liked her book better. The things I noticed up front was that she had more scripture, more personal connection, and clearer tips or examples of things to try to help cultivate a contented heart. I also purchased but have not yet read "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" and "The Art of Divine Contentment." The last two books are more of books rather than studies while the first two (including this one) are more of studies which is more specifically what I am looking for.
First, I felt like many of the examples or stories used to illustrate a devotional day were ones that I have heard before in sermon illustrations so I didn't find as much original content.
Second, I could feel the author's Reformed bent as the wording and attitude felt more religious than relational. That doesn't always happen with reformed authors but I think some of you might understand what I mean. Though she emphasized our depravity and need to rely on the Lord, I felt that her lessons leaned towards "do better" without as many personal tips or examples.
I agreed with Hill's points, I didn't feel that things were wrong but that it was more of a lecture than a helpful discipleship in contentment.
This was one of 4 books I bought on the topic and after struggling with this one I moved on to "Choosing Contentment" by Jessica Mathisen. I immediately liked her book better. The things I noticed up front was that she had more scripture, more personal connection, and clearer tips or examples of things to try to help cultivate a contented heart. I also purchased but have not yet read "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" and "The Art of Divine Contentment." The last two books are more of books rather than studies while the first two (including this one) are more of studies which is more specifically what I am looking for.
December 22, 2018
Contentment is not dependent on the changing circumstances of life but on the unchanging goodness of our Lord. This truth equips us to correctly understand dour present situation.
Contentment comes from our deepest desires and when those desires are not meant, we live in discontent. A key verse for me and when I live by that verse makes a difference between night and day is Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. This is the core of this devotional and I would stress it is a devotional for life. God desires our contentment and he knows it is only when we delight in him, we can experience it. That verse serves has a plumb line for life.
This devotional will guide you thru contentment and what your focus is on. Each day starts with scripture, commentary that is with the contrast of living a life of contentment and not. Then we are guided to reflect and act. Contentment is a spiritual blessing that enable you to love freely and deeply and enjoy your heavenly Father and those that are placed in your life.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Contentment comes from our deepest desires and when those desires are not meant, we live in discontent. A key verse for me and when I live by that verse makes a difference between night and day is Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. This is the core of this devotional and I would stress it is a devotional for life. God desires our contentment and he knows it is only when we delight in him, we can experience it. That verse serves has a plumb line for life.
This devotional will guide you thru contentment and what your focus is on. Each day starts with scripture, commentary that is with the contrast of living a life of contentment and not. Then we are guided to reflect and act. Contentment is a spiritual blessing that enable you to love freely and deeply and enjoy your heavenly Father and those that are placed in your life.
Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 18, 2020
This book caught my eye in our church library. Our women's group had just finished an excellent video series on contentment by Melissa Kruger. I greatly appreciated and was 100% satisfied with that series, so was a little surprised at just how much I've enjoyed Megan Hill's 31-day devotional on the same topic.
The format is simple and effective. Each day is a quick (but meaningful) page-and-a-half, followed by a few short reflection and action suggestions.
Megan Hill is a new author to me, and one I will be seeking out to read again. Each of her devotionals conveyed important truths in a captivating way...thought-provoking and grounded in solid Biblical theology. I expected the brief reflection and action points to be little more than afterthoughts. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to find more rich truth and useful (!) application. At least as good as the devotional itself, sometimes better.
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
5+ stars!
The format is simple and effective. Each day is a quick (but meaningful) page-and-a-half, followed by a few short reflection and action suggestions.
Megan Hill is a new author to me, and one I will be seeking out to read again. Each of her devotionals conveyed important truths in a captivating way...thought-provoking and grounded in solid Biblical theology. I expected the brief reflection and action points to be little more than afterthoughts. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to find more rich truth and useful (!) application. At least as good as the devotional itself, sometimes better.
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
5+ stars!
October 21, 2018
This is a solid, approachable devotional on the virtue of contentment. The book distilled many larger works on contentment old and new into 31 meditations short enough for the busiest Christian. The truths will be familiar to long-time believers, but are the type we always need to be reminded about. My only quibble with the book was that some sections had several Scripture chapters to read after while others had none, which meant I might devote a different amount of time each day to the devotional.
Don’t overlook the notes in the back for the amazing list of works this book cites from.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Don’t overlook the notes in the back for the amazing list of works this book cites from.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
January 31, 2019
A great tool to tune up your heart attitude. The theology is solid, but only scratches the surface, so I encourage you to read further on the subject while doing this devotional. I'm really not a fan of devotionals typically, but each day ends with two reflection prompts and an action point, making this much more robust than the average devo. If you are faithful to follow through on what it asks of you you will definitely walk away with a better grip on keeping your heart in check.
Action points included things like memorizing verses, posting reminders, and giving a directive to meditate on throughout the day.
Action points included things like memorizing verses, posting reminders, and giving a directive to meditate on throughout the day.
April 30, 2020
Changed my life
This book has helped alter my life in ways I did not expect! It is no exaggeration. That beach day presented incredible opportunities for growth and learning. This was the perfect amount reading and reflection I was looking for. I am thankful for all the lessons I learned and the life changing faith I received from thisnbook. Perfect for any bible study beginners or advanced. I am a mom of two small kiddos and this was a perfect way to spend 30 mins of my time.
This book has helped alter my life in ways I did not expect! It is no exaggeration. That beach day presented incredible opportunities for growth and learning. This was the perfect amount reading and reflection I was looking for. I am thankful for all the lessons I learned and the life changing faith I received from thisnbook. Perfect for any bible study beginners or advanced. I am a mom of two small kiddos and this was a perfect way to spend 30 mins of my time.
January 25, 2023
This was one of my first devotionals that I began and actually finished. The daily perspectives along with the couple questions really helped me in a season of struggling with discontentment. I am thankful for the time and effort that Hill put into writing this book. Change doesn’t happen in 2 days, but over a period of time. This devotional allowed me to process discontentment over a whole month and put into action what was written.
March 1, 2021
My heart & mind was challenged. Gratitude is my word of the year and this book has helped develop what being grateful looks like day to day.
“Contentment is not dependent on the changing circumstances of life but on the unchanging goodness of our Lord.”
“Contentment is not dependent on the changing circumstances of life but on the unchanging goodness of our Lord.”
September 5, 2024
Contentment isn't something lauded in modern society, especially in the West. Everybody seems to need more to be happy, but when they get more, they aren't happy still but think they just need more. Instead of wanting what others' have, God's solution is to focus on Him with gratitude for what we do have. This devotional is for thirty-one days, and it explores contentment and how it can affect your life. Each day is bite-sized with questions that will help you think through the day's reading. If you're discontent, this book is for you, especially if you're a Christian. Recommended for new believers as well as the mature ones who just need a little reminder.
April 2, 2025
Megan Hill's devotionals on Contentment and Patience have both been great reads. I will continue to return to both of these and recommend them to others. This series by P&R Publishing is very accessible and would be a great addition to anyone's daily reading.
January 20, 2020
Nice focused devotional style bible study. Short and to the point. Great for morning devotions.
February 6, 2020
Great devotional for those struggling to be content as well as an excellent resource in Biblical counseling as homework.
March 1, 2020
Contentment is not dependent on the changing circumstances of life but on the unchanging goodness of our Lord 🙌
March 30, 2020
We used for family devotions. Was encouraged and challenged throughout the book. 👌
March 25, 2022
Excellent practical devotional on the topic of contentment. It’s deep without being too lengthy and written from a counseling perspective. Easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
July 9, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this devo! I’m thankful to the ever-wise Lauren Jones for recommending it to me. It was brief, convicting and made sure to steer me to scripture daily.
May 16, 2023
I would have enjoyed this much more if it went deeper. I’m not much of a devotional book fan. Read this with a group in my church’s women’s Bible study (CABC).
August 30, 2023
A good one, lots of good reminders. I think I'll re-do the 31 days devotionals in the future.
August 27, 2024
This series has been hit or miss for me. This one was great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews