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Chasing Contentment Lib/E: Trusting God in a Discontented Age
Recovering the Lost Art of Contentment
The biblical practice of contentment can seem like a lost art—something reserved for spiritual giants but out of reach for the rest of us. In our discontented age—characterized by impatience, overspending, grumbling, and unhappiness—it’s hard to imagine what true contentment actually looks (and feels) like. But even the apostle Paul said that he learned to be content in any and every circumstance. Paul’s remarkable contentment was something grown and developed over time.
In Chasing Contentment, Erik Raymond helps us understand what biblical contentment is—the inward gracious spirit that joyfully rests in God’s providence—and then how we learn it. Giving us practical guidance for growing in contentment in various areas of our lives, this book will encourage us to see contentment as a priority for all believers. By God’s grace, it is possible to pursue the high calling of contentment and anchor our joy in God himself rather than our changing circumstances.
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First published March 1, 2017
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About the author
Erik Raymond
9 books23 followersErik Raymond is the senior pastor at Redeemer Fellowship Church in Metro Boston. He is a frequent contributor to many websites and periodicals, and blogs regularly at Ordinary Pastor, hosted by the Gospel Coalition.
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August 19, 2017
I've been really looking forward to reading this little book about contentment from Erik Raymond. As Raymond rightly points out in the opening chapter, contentment is not a topic that's much talked about today amongst Christians. Which is baffling, because if anything we live in a dark age of discontent: bombarded by consumerist messages that urge us to buy this or buy that to make our lives better; constant social media comparisons that either produce pride or crush us; and the ever present backdrop of grumbling that says that the grass is always greener on the other side.
The problem is that I find myself rather discontent with this little book about contentment. There are some real gems in here about God's contentment in himself, being confident in God's good providence, and longing for the New Creation where we will experience perfect contentment.
But the bulk of Chasing Contentment is rather disappointing and mediocre. Like bad sermon application everywhere, Raymond suggests (over the course of two whole chapters!), that we should read our Bibles more, pray more, and be committed to a local church. These are great things for us to do as Christians, and in fact, apply to most areas of Christian life and not to contentedness specifically. Raymond relies a lot on older Puritan writers but rather than update their language and thinking for today, he tends to just quote them at length which won't aid the average reader in understanding them any better than reading the source material.
And then there is the toe-curling moment, when Raymond describes how his wife was discontent with not having granite work tops in her kitchen... Yup. He uses such terrible stereotypes as an off-hand illustration, that belittles his wife, and makes women seem particularly gullible.
The thrust of the book is good, there is Biblical wisdom in here, but there's not enough to recommend this as a must-read book. Discontent is a besetting sin for Christians, particularly in the West. We need some good, practical, modern writing and teaching on the subject. Chasing Contentment does not fill that gap, I really wish it did.
The problem is that I find myself rather discontent with this little book about contentment. There are some real gems in here about God's contentment in himself, being confident in God's good providence, and longing for the New Creation where we will experience perfect contentment.
But the bulk of Chasing Contentment is rather disappointing and mediocre. Like bad sermon application everywhere, Raymond suggests (over the course of two whole chapters!), that we should read our Bibles more, pray more, and be committed to a local church. These are great things for us to do as Christians, and in fact, apply to most areas of Christian life and not to contentedness specifically. Raymond relies a lot on older Puritan writers but rather than update their language and thinking for today, he tends to just quote them at length which won't aid the average reader in understanding them any better than reading the source material.
And then there is the toe-curling moment, when Raymond describes how his wife was discontent with not having granite work tops in her kitchen... Yup. He uses such terrible stereotypes as an off-hand illustration, that belittles his wife, and makes women seem particularly gullible.
The thrust of the book is good, there is Biblical wisdom in here, but there's not enough to recommend this as a must-read book. Discontent is a besetting sin for Christians, particularly in the West. We need some good, practical, modern writing and teaching on the subject. Chasing Contentment does not fill that gap, I really wish it did.
February 4, 2017
This is a very short book, approx 175 pages, but packed with wisdom. It's also a great length for those of us who feel too busy to read, but are longing to learn how to live a content life. Raymond starts out by explaining what discontentment is, why our lives are full of it, and why we constantly catch ourselves thinking "there must be more than this."
Raymond speaks to the heart of the matter and calls the reader to step out of FOMO (fear of missing out), which I know I have been guilty of myself. Instead, he challenges us to learn to live as the apostle Paul lived...content in whatever situation or stage of life we are in.
I really enjoyed this book, but was also challenged by it over and over. This is one of those books that you have to set down from time to time to process in your heart before going back to it. So, f you're ready to live in a new way, this is a fantastic starting place.
Raymond speaks to the heart of the matter and calls the reader to step out of FOMO (fear of missing out), which I know I have been guilty of myself. Instead, he challenges us to learn to live as the apostle Paul lived...content in whatever situation or stage of life we are in.
I really enjoyed this book, but was also challenged by it over and over. This is one of those books that you have to set down from time to time to process in your heart before going back to it. So, f you're ready to live in a new way, this is a fantastic starting place.
March 24, 2024
Was it life changing? No, but it did have some great reminders.
February 21, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. I resonated much with the author-his emphases, his way of saying things, the way he spoke about the gospel, and sometimes his writing. And overall, his insights on contentment were really well researched and helpful.
I was tempted to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it was less about contentment head on, and rather was more a really good primer on the Christian gospel-with contentment thrown in (in a good way) here and there. But since all his gospel talk and application was so solid, I did not want to make it look like less of a book. It just was not exactly what I was expecting.
The book was split up into two major sections. Part 1 is entitled "Defining Contentment." Here, Raymond does an excellent job explaining what contentment is in two chapters. This was excellent, and very insightful and helpful. His first chapter is about what contentment is, and then his second is showing that God himself is content. More on this later.
The second part is about "Learning Contentment." This was full of solid, gospel-driven insights and applications about how to think and live in the world. It really was great. However, it wasn't specifically about contentment. Rather, it was about living for and loving Jesus supremely, and finding joy in him (all excellent stuff!), but less about the idea of contentment specifically itself. Contentment was explained only every once and a while as more of a result of living steadfastly, trustingly, and joyfully in Christ. That being said, his comments, suggestions, and applications about living more joyfully in Christ were really gospel-driven and helpful-it just wasn't as much about contentment itself head on as I hoped it would be.
But back to the book's beginning. In the introduction, he begins by helpfully stating that "contentment is something attainable" and that it "is something that God commands and provides the grace to experience" (15).
Then in the first chapter of the book-which I thought was by far the best chapter of the entire book on contentment-he defines contentment using four ideas: "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (23). This whole chapter is clear, insightful, and well organized. I would write more on it here, but I wrote a whole blog post about it on my site under the title "4 Characteristics of Contentment" (here: https://www.seekingformore.com/posts/...). In short, it was a wonderful chapter really explaining what contentment is (and is not).
From there he explains how God is content and made us for contentment in chapter 2, and then the rest of the book is basically about gospel living. I will not summarize all these chapters here. They were very helpful and well written, both theologically and pastorally. Instead, I will give my favorite quotes and ideas:
His first chapter is about realizing that we are treated way better than we deserve. Meaning, that we find more joy/contentment in being humble. On this, Raymond writes, "The point is clear: Jesus came for weak people who are looking for someone strong to lean upon in faith. He did not come for apparently strong people who are looking for congratulations on their awesomeness" (58).
Concerning dwelling on sin for the sake of contentment, Raymond cites Owen and says, "John Owen helps us here as a doctor of sanctification. He cautions us about moving too quickly from sin to the banquet table of forgiveness. He is attempting to produce in us contrite, humble, grateful heart…As Christians, we should be familiar with mercy but never presume upon it. Mercy is a costly divine gift that should inflame our hearts with love even as it melts our pride" (60-61).
Concerning forgetting self, he writes, "Contentment comes not from focusing on ourselves or feasting on stuff but by focusing and fearing on Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13)."
And more on humility: "We all come to God as dependent children who need to grow in our godliness. We need to have our minds renewed and reformed to thik God's thoughts after him. One of the main hindrances to giving ourselves to regular reading and study of the Scriptures is the folly of thinking that we are wise. Rather, God would have us become fools (1 Cor. 3:18) that we would become wise in him through the instruction of the Bible" (70).
Concerning quotes about denying sinful things which appear to give us joy, but really don't, I wrote a whole blog post on it because of some of his quotes. It is entitled "Learning to Deny the 'Shiny Wrappers'" and can be found here: https://www.seekingformore.com/posts/....
Concerning contentment in God supremely: "God wills that he be the source of your contentment…It is one of the many ironies of the gospel: deny yourself and be found content in Christ; deny Christ and find yourself restless lost in yourself" (104).
He says, "To see your need of Christ and his willingness to save you creates an explosion of happiness in the soul" (107).
And practically, in practicing self-denial for the sake of our contentment, he says to 1) remember what self-indulgence brings; 2) remember what you really need; 3) remember what Jesus died to bring; 4) remember the practice of self-denial; and 5) reduce your desires to fit your circumstances. All of these are helpful ideas and can be found on pages 107-110.
Concerning finding contentment and rest in God's reality and supremacy no matter what comes our way, he cleverly points out: "Instead of giving us what we might consider a sufficient explanation, Scripture gives us an all-sufficient person" (120). And he says, "Instead of interpreting God's character in light of our circumstances, we must do the opposite and interpret our circumstances in light of God's character" (127).
Concerning the church in this chase for contentment, he states, "The church is the most important organization on the planet. Its importance and inherent value are dependent not upon size but on substance" (130).
He then reminds us that we are not yet home in the last chapter. He beautifully shows that contentment is more to come in beauty. He writes that suffering here "propels our hearts and minds toward Immanuel's land, where the gospel song will be on everyone's lips" (158).
And in the conclusion he asks whether we show the fruits of someone who is content. Those fruits, from Thomas Watson, are a silent (not complaining) spirit, a cheerful spirit, a thankful spirit, a contended spirit not bound by circumstances, and a contented spirit that will not avoid trouble by means of sin.
Finally, the last paragraph of his book actually sums it all up very well. Raymond finished by writing, "Is [contentment] a lost art? Of course not. Contentment is gospel art, crafted by the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ's people. Ever since the garden of Eden the world ahs been discontent, and ever since then God has been pursuing people to make them content in him We have the privilege of not only knowing this but experiencing it first hand" (166). Amen.
I recommend the book wholeheartedly. It wasn't amazing with abundant new thoughts or insights, but it was solidly gospel. I enjoyed it a lot.
I was tempted to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it was less about contentment head on, and rather was more a really good primer on the Christian gospel-with contentment thrown in (in a good way) here and there. But since all his gospel talk and application was so solid, I did not want to make it look like less of a book. It just was not exactly what I was expecting.
The book was split up into two major sections. Part 1 is entitled "Defining Contentment." Here, Raymond does an excellent job explaining what contentment is in two chapters. This was excellent, and very insightful and helpful. His first chapter is about what contentment is, and then his second is showing that God himself is content. More on this later.
The second part is about "Learning Contentment." This was full of solid, gospel-driven insights and applications about how to think and live in the world. It really was great. However, it wasn't specifically about contentment. Rather, it was about living for and loving Jesus supremely, and finding joy in him (all excellent stuff!), but less about the idea of contentment specifically itself. Contentment was explained only every once and a while as more of a result of living steadfastly, trustingly, and joyfully in Christ. That being said, his comments, suggestions, and applications about living more joyfully in Christ were really gospel-driven and helpful-it just wasn't as much about contentment itself head on as I hoped it would be.
But back to the book's beginning. In the introduction, he begins by helpfully stating that "contentment is something attainable" and that it "is something that God commands and provides the grace to experience" (15).
Then in the first chapter of the book-which I thought was by far the best chapter of the entire book on contentment-he defines contentment using four ideas: "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (23). This whole chapter is clear, insightful, and well organized. I would write more on it here, but I wrote a whole blog post about it on my site under the title "4 Characteristics of Contentment" (here: https://www.seekingformore.com/posts/...). In short, it was a wonderful chapter really explaining what contentment is (and is not).
From there he explains how God is content and made us for contentment in chapter 2, and then the rest of the book is basically about gospel living. I will not summarize all these chapters here. They were very helpful and well written, both theologically and pastorally. Instead, I will give my favorite quotes and ideas:
His first chapter is about realizing that we are treated way better than we deserve. Meaning, that we find more joy/contentment in being humble. On this, Raymond writes, "The point is clear: Jesus came for weak people who are looking for someone strong to lean upon in faith. He did not come for apparently strong people who are looking for congratulations on their awesomeness" (58).
Concerning dwelling on sin for the sake of contentment, Raymond cites Owen and says, "John Owen helps us here as a doctor of sanctification. He cautions us about moving too quickly from sin to the banquet table of forgiveness. He is attempting to produce in us contrite, humble, grateful heart…As Christians, we should be familiar with mercy but never presume upon it. Mercy is a costly divine gift that should inflame our hearts with love even as it melts our pride" (60-61).
Concerning forgetting self, he writes, "Contentment comes not from focusing on ourselves or feasting on stuff but by focusing and fearing on Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13)."
And more on humility: "We all come to God as dependent children who need to grow in our godliness. We need to have our minds renewed and reformed to thik God's thoughts after him. One of the main hindrances to giving ourselves to regular reading and study of the Scriptures is the folly of thinking that we are wise. Rather, God would have us become fools (1 Cor. 3:18) that we would become wise in him through the instruction of the Bible" (70).
Concerning quotes about denying sinful things which appear to give us joy, but really don't, I wrote a whole blog post on it because of some of his quotes. It is entitled "Learning to Deny the 'Shiny Wrappers'" and can be found here: https://www.seekingformore.com/posts/....
Concerning contentment in God supremely: "God wills that he be the source of your contentment…It is one of the many ironies of the gospel: deny yourself and be found content in Christ; deny Christ and find yourself restless lost in yourself" (104).
He says, "To see your need of Christ and his willingness to save you creates an explosion of happiness in the soul" (107).
And practically, in practicing self-denial for the sake of our contentment, he says to 1) remember what self-indulgence brings; 2) remember what you really need; 3) remember what Jesus died to bring; 4) remember the practice of self-denial; and 5) reduce your desires to fit your circumstances. All of these are helpful ideas and can be found on pages 107-110.
Concerning finding contentment and rest in God's reality and supremacy no matter what comes our way, he cleverly points out: "Instead of giving us what we might consider a sufficient explanation, Scripture gives us an all-sufficient person" (120). And he says, "Instead of interpreting God's character in light of our circumstances, we must do the opposite and interpret our circumstances in light of God's character" (127).
Concerning the church in this chase for contentment, he states, "The church is the most important organization on the planet. Its importance and inherent value are dependent not upon size but on substance" (130).
He then reminds us that we are not yet home in the last chapter. He beautifully shows that contentment is more to come in beauty. He writes that suffering here "propels our hearts and minds toward Immanuel's land, where the gospel song will be on everyone's lips" (158).
And in the conclusion he asks whether we show the fruits of someone who is content. Those fruits, from Thomas Watson, are a silent (not complaining) spirit, a cheerful spirit, a thankful spirit, a contended spirit not bound by circumstances, and a contented spirit that will not avoid trouble by means of sin.
Finally, the last paragraph of his book actually sums it all up very well. Raymond finished by writing, "Is [contentment] a lost art? Of course not. Contentment is gospel art, crafted by the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ's people. Ever since the garden of Eden the world ahs been discontent, and ever since then God has been pursuing people to make them content in him We have the privilege of not only knowing this but experiencing it first hand" (166). Amen.
I recommend the book wholeheartedly. It wasn't amazing with abundant new thoughts or insights, but it was solidly gospel. I enjoyed it a lot.
April 29, 2024
This was a great, short read which reminded me of my heavenly home and my God, who is content in Himself. I appreciated the author's simple writing style and the how he approached the subject from many different angles.
May 20, 2017
From the introduction: If you drive through rural New England towns, you’ll notice an abundance of stone walls. These walls initially served as property markers hundreds of years ago; and because they were well built, many remain to this day. But the art of building stone walls has nearly faded away. The craftsmen who make them, though plentiful in a previous age, are now few. Is contentment a lost art? Is it simply a product of yesterday’s Christianity? Are there only a few “craftsmen” left who practice it? And if so, is this okay with God? I don’t think it is. In fact, I’m certain it’s not. Hebrews 13:5 commands us, “Be content with what you have.” And the apostle Paul demonstrates his own personal contentment in his letter to the Philippian church: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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” (Phil. 4:11–12). We should remember that the writer of Hebrews was addressing a church when he gave his command, and Paul was likewise writing to a local church when he discussed his priority and practice of contentment. In other words, contentment is for the church, and that includes us today. Instead of being something from a bygone age, contentment is to be a priority for all Christians.
Premise/plot: Erik Raymond examines the biblical concept of contentment in his new book. What is contentment? Where is our contentment to be found? Why is contentment NOT to be found in our circumstances? Is it important--essential--to us as believers to learn?
The book is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on defining contentment; the second part focuses on learning contentment.
What is contentment? Raymond defines it clearly and simply, "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God’s providence." He goes on to say, "Contentment does not mean ignoring problems or pretending they don’t exist. Quite the opposite! A contented spirit is one that realizes the difficulty but can nevertheless rest in God in the midst of it. Second, contentment does not mean that we don’t voice our complaints to God. The Scriptures are full of prayers from godly people who cry out and complain to God (e.g., Pss. 3:4; 34:6; 55:16–17; 77:1; 142:1–3). In fact, we are commanded to cast our cares upon the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). The motive for this is that he cares for us. But mark the contrast; there is a difference between complaining to God (“How long, O Lord?”) and complaining about God. The first is supported by an enduring trust that God hears and loves. The second is betrayed by an eroding trust that God hears and loves. It is a privilege for Christians to bring their burdened hearts to their Father for soul medicine."
My thoughts: Raymond has so much to say about contentment and discontentment. I found this one to be a true must-read. Yes, it is about contentment, about grumbling and complaining, but, it is also about GOD'S PROVIDENCE and God's goodness. In fact, God's character is key throughout. Raymond writes, "Any attempt to understand contentment must begin with God." But it isn't just about who God is, but, who we are, which brings us to our greatest need(s). He writes, "The Bible teaches us who God is and who we are. Proper understanding of our sin leads to an abiding gratitude toward God for his mercy."
Favorite quotes:
Premise/plot: Erik Raymond examines the biblical concept of contentment in his new book. What is contentment? Where is our contentment to be found? Why is contentment NOT to be found in our circumstances? Is it important--essential--to us as believers to learn?
The book is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on defining contentment; the second part focuses on learning contentment.
What is contentment? Raymond defines it clearly and simply, "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God’s providence." He goes on to say, "Contentment does not mean ignoring problems or pretending they don’t exist. Quite the opposite! A contented spirit is one that realizes the difficulty but can nevertheless rest in God in the midst of it. Second, contentment does not mean that we don’t voice our complaints to God. The Scriptures are full of prayers from godly people who cry out and complain to God (e.g., Pss. 3:4; 34:6; 55:16–17; 77:1; 142:1–3). In fact, we are commanded to cast our cares upon the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). The motive for this is that he cares for us. But mark the contrast; there is a difference between complaining to God (“How long, O Lord?”) and complaining about God. The first is supported by an enduring trust that God hears and loves. The second is betrayed by an eroding trust that God hears and loves. It is a privilege for Christians to bring their burdened hearts to their Father for soul medicine."
My thoughts: Raymond has so much to say about contentment and discontentment. I found this one to be a true must-read. Yes, it is about contentment, about grumbling and complaining, but, it is also about GOD'S PROVIDENCE and God's goodness. In fact, God's character is key throughout. Raymond writes, "Any attempt to understand contentment must begin with God." But it isn't just about who God is, but, who we are, which brings us to our greatest need(s). He writes, "The Bible teaches us who God is and who we are. Proper understanding of our sin leads to an abiding gratitude toward God for his mercy."
Favorite quotes:
Contentment comes through knowing and loving the truth. It is not enough to simply know theology; we must love the God we are studying. And it is not enough to say we love a God we do not know. Godliness is concerned with both knowing and loving.
Too many of us practice dental-chair devotions. We grab our Bibles, spend some time in them, and then we are done. We promptly put down our Bibles and hurry on to our daily tasks. A few hours later someone could ask, “What did you read in the Word today?” And the answer, too often, would be “I can’t remember.” What has happened? We’ve grabbed a little Bible reading, swished it around in the morning, then spit it out on our way out the door. The treasures of the Word haven’t been swallowed and digested. We haven’t really engaged the mind and heart with the Word. How we read the Bible is pivotal to our pursuit of contentment. After all, contentment is learned by growth in grace. And remember, contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God’s providence. To get there, we can’t simply go through the motions; we need to resist “swish and spit” devotions.
The heart of the matter is that when we ourselves determine what will satisfy, we don’t pursue what brings true satisfaction. The broken compass within us always leads to the dumpster rather than the five-star restaurant. We are painfully off in our calibration. The problem is not that we are seeking satisfaction; it’s the way we naturally seek it. To find true satisfaction, we have to “just say no” to ourselves. Or, to put it biblically, we must deny ourselves.
We should not miss the fact that the call to deny self is also a call to follow Christ. God does not simply call us to repudiate ourselves. Instead, he calls us to repudiate ourselves and to receive him—and with him, our true identity. These are words of conviction and grace that pursue us amid our confusion. Like Adam and Eve clinging to their fig leaves, we cling to our selfishness. And God pursues us in grace and calls us to put aside the folly and look to him. This call of Christ to deny ourselves is a call of faith. It is a call to appraise ourselves based on the scale and measure of God’s Word, and then to apply the same measure to Christ. Such a comparison shows how much we are lacking and how completely Christ supplies our need.
The ultimate medicine for our souls is the cross.
True contentment comes through a true knowledge of Christ. The church is the means by which the gospel goes out and the context by which the gospel is applied.
December 27, 2023
Had some very helpful points and was full of good reminders. Felt a bit lacking at times and left me wanting more meat. That was the most worth-while part: bringing contentment to the forefront of my heart, not an easy thing to wrestle with. I appreciated his definition as well: "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence."
March 13, 2025
A book that has impacted me! I’ve been savoring this book and finally got through it. Lots of practical thoughts rooted in deep but important spiritual truths about God. Highly recommend as a resource for anyone wanting to engage in this topic and especially with our current cultural climate on this topic.
September 20, 2025
"Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence."
This book was a thorough theological point by point that gave sound underpinnings for understanding God's path for contentment. I felt it would have been helpful if it worked through the day to day outworkings of it. The concepts are good but could have been explored much deeper.
This book was a thorough theological point by point that gave sound underpinnings for understanding God's path for contentment. I felt it would have been helpful if it worked through the day to day outworkings of it. The concepts are good but could have been explored much deeper.
November 3, 2017
A short, but good book. If you want a concentrated study on the topic of contentment, this is a good place to start- although I would not say finish. But that’s probably the authors point. I will be thinking and studying on this topic for a long time.
August 22, 2025
Very solid practical guide to the practice of contentment. Really enjoyed the quotes and concise “steps”. Will definitely pick back up in the future! Only wish there was a bit more discussion on the issues and deeper heart conditions that lead to discontentment
June 18, 2017
Best book I've read this year!
August 13, 2024
“…deny yourself and be found content in Christ; deny Christ and find yourself restlessly lost in yourself.”
March 2, 2019
Good, short book on contentment. The writing itself is nothing particularly special, but the content is faithful to Scripture. In general, most of the chapters lean more toward theory than practical application.
April 3, 2025
Nothing groundbreaking, but encouraging and challenging nonetheless. A lot of thoughts have really stuck with me. Would like to return to this in the future.
July 13, 2017
Great read understanding contentment in a discontent culture.
Enjoyed the biblical perspective of contentment while finding our rest in the God of providence who controls the providence of God.
Enjoyed the biblical perspective of contentment while finding our rest in the God of providence who controls the providence of God.
March 28, 2019
2.5
a few sections of the book were good and challenged me, but the rest of the book was a bit too heavy handed with object lessons/sermon illustrations, like this gem from pg 127: the cross is the Visine that removes the irritation from the eyes of our souls.
The author states in the foreward he used Jeremiah Burroughs The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment to help with his research for the book. I read this one several years ago, and recall finding it full of so much depth, much more so than I found here. If nothing else, this book was a reminder to try and find my copy of Burrough's book to do a re-read!
a few sections of the book were good and challenged me, but the rest of the book was a bit too heavy handed with object lessons/sermon illustrations, like this gem from pg 127: the cross is the Visine that removes the irritation from the eyes of our souls.
The author states in the foreward he used Jeremiah Burroughs The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment to help with his research for the book. I read this one several years ago, and recall finding it full of so much depth, much more so than I found here. If nothing else, this book was a reminder to try and find my copy of Burrough's book to do a re-read!
May 16, 2017
We Are The Problem
Erik Raymond’s book Chasing Contentment: Trust God In A Discontented Age was one of those books that caught my eye quickly because I live in a first world country. Contentment is one of the most seemingly elusive aspects of the American culture. How could this be? We could easily blame the culture, entertainment industry, false churches, and whole host of other causes for our discontentment. However, we would be missing the primary source of discontentment—ourselves. We are to blame. God commands Christians in the following way: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”” (Heb. 13: 5–6). Yet, if we are honest, we find it treacherous to live our lives in light of this command. We struggle to embrace the glorious reality that God will never forsake us.
Biblical and Theological Foundations
Raymond doesn’t shrink back from quoting scripture through this book, and the power of God’s Word makes Chasing Contentment all the more powerful. He spends much time discussing biblical texts and painting a big picture of the God we worship. Chapter two—which discusses the contentment of God—is worth its weight in gold because it centers our pursuit of contentment in our conformity to God’s image rather than ourselves. His discussion of the sin as the root of our discontentment ties in with his Calvin-esque treatment of knowledge of God and man. Scripture treats discontentment primarily as a sin problem because the gap between God and man is so vast due to fall. Too often, we fail to see this reality when discussing and chasing contentment in our lives.
Back To The Basics
Raymond is at his best in providing practical means to attain contentment. Rather than give a twenty step method, point readers to a mystical mountaintop experience, or tell you to give up hope for contentment on this side of heaven, he takes us back to the basics! He calls us to prayerfully read scripture, meditate on God’s Word, and reflect that meditation back in praise and prayer. He even gives us a sample daily prayer method from Tim Keller’s excellent book on prayer. He is clear that the spiritual disciplines won’t automatically create contentment, but when relying on the Spirit and becoming disciplined to seek the Lord, we will grow in Christlikeness and contentment. Read and re-read this section of Chasing Contentment because it will be a humbling reminder and tool to use whenever discontentment creeps back into our lives.
Continuing In Contentment
As we find contentment, we will have to guard against the pitfalls that come from living in this fallen world. Raymond reminds us several key areas in which our contentment will rise or fall. First, we must be on guard against the “shiny wrappers” that look like wonderful gifts but are really just useless toys that are a waste of time and money. These are the temptations that come from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. Next, we have to learn and practice self-denial each and every day. This means changing our mentality toward what we deserve or what is best for us. We are freed by realization that we are not greater than our Master or his inspired apostles who found contentment in the midst of their trying circumstances. Then we are called to rest and trust in the sweet providence of God, even in the most deplorable moments of life because God is using them to grow us in ways that are sometimes utterly unimaginable. As Christians, we are also called to love Christ’s bride—the Church—by faithfully attending corporate worship, committing to discipleship, and spreading the gospel throughout the world. Finally, Raymond reminds us that this world is not our home, so the circumstances that unsettle us in this world, whether sickness, danger, failed relationships, or whatever else may come our way, are often given to make us long for our future heavenly home.
Puritan Influence
As a student of Puritan literature, I have heard many great things about Jeremiah Burroughs’ and Thomas Watson’s writings on contentment. I started to read Burroughs’ The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment but realized that it’s not bedside reading material! Nonetheless, it is a blessing to see a modern author value the lives and influence of people who looked radically different from their culture as well as ours! Through Raymond, I am encouraged to finish The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment this summer, and I just downloaded The Art of Divine Contentment for free! As the Southern Seminary faculty stated, “for every new book, read two old ones”. Although I don’t follow that rule perfectly, I have found two old ones as well and I hope you will too!
I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
Erik Raymond’s book Chasing Contentment: Trust God In A Discontented Age was one of those books that caught my eye quickly because I live in a first world country. Contentment is one of the most seemingly elusive aspects of the American culture. How could this be? We could easily blame the culture, entertainment industry, false churches, and whole host of other causes for our discontentment. However, we would be missing the primary source of discontentment—ourselves. We are to blame. God commands Christians in the following way: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”” (Heb. 13: 5–6). Yet, if we are honest, we find it treacherous to live our lives in light of this command. We struggle to embrace the glorious reality that God will never forsake us.
Biblical and Theological Foundations
Raymond doesn’t shrink back from quoting scripture through this book, and the power of God’s Word makes Chasing Contentment all the more powerful. He spends much time discussing biblical texts and painting a big picture of the God we worship. Chapter two—which discusses the contentment of God—is worth its weight in gold because it centers our pursuit of contentment in our conformity to God’s image rather than ourselves. His discussion of the sin as the root of our discontentment ties in with his Calvin-esque treatment of knowledge of God and man. Scripture treats discontentment primarily as a sin problem because the gap between God and man is so vast due to fall. Too often, we fail to see this reality when discussing and chasing contentment in our lives.
Back To The Basics
Raymond is at his best in providing practical means to attain contentment. Rather than give a twenty step method, point readers to a mystical mountaintop experience, or tell you to give up hope for contentment on this side of heaven, he takes us back to the basics! He calls us to prayerfully read scripture, meditate on God’s Word, and reflect that meditation back in praise and prayer. He even gives us a sample daily prayer method from Tim Keller’s excellent book on prayer. He is clear that the spiritual disciplines won’t automatically create contentment, but when relying on the Spirit and becoming disciplined to seek the Lord, we will grow in Christlikeness and contentment. Read and re-read this section of Chasing Contentment because it will be a humbling reminder and tool to use whenever discontentment creeps back into our lives.
Continuing In Contentment
As we find contentment, we will have to guard against the pitfalls that come from living in this fallen world. Raymond reminds us several key areas in which our contentment will rise or fall. First, we must be on guard against the “shiny wrappers” that look like wonderful gifts but are really just useless toys that are a waste of time and money. These are the temptations that come from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. Next, we have to learn and practice self-denial each and every day. This means changing our mentality toward what we deserve or what is best for us. We are freed by realization that we are not greater than our Master or his inspired apostles who found contentment in the midst of their trying circumstances. Then we are called to rest and trust in the sweet providence of God, even in the most deplorable moments of life because God is using them to grow us in ways that are sometimes utterly unimaginable. As Christians, we are also called to love Christ’s bride—the Church—by faithfully attending corporate worship, committing to discipleship, and spreading the gospel throughout the world. Finally, Raymond reminds us that this world is not our home, so the circumstances that unsettle us in this world, whether sickness, danger, failed relationships, or whatever else may come our way, are often given to make us long for our future heavenly home.
Puritan Influence
As a student of Puritan literature, I have heard many great things about Jeremiah Burroughs’ and Thomas Watson’s writings on contentment. I started to read Burroughs’ The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment but realized that it’s not bedside reading material! Nonetheless, it is a blessing to see a modern author value the lives and influence of people who looked radically different from their culture as well as ours! Through Raymond, I am encouraged to finish The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment this summer, and I just downloaded The Art of Divine Contentment for free! As the Southern Seminary faculty stated, “for every new book, read two old ones”. Although I don’t follow that rule perfectly, I have found two old ones as well and I hope you will too!
I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2023
I was interested to read this book because the title caught my eye. I was been interested in how people approach contentment, especially had to do was keep text in the Bible about contentment. It is one of the perspectives of Christian living that we don’t master very well.
The author opens by defining contentment in the first part of his book. Chapter 1 talks about how to understand what contentment is, because if we don’t understand what it is, how can we be expected to be content? In chapter 2, he talks about God having this quality of contentment within Himself. This is why He expects contentment from us, because He is content.
The second part of the book is on the practical approach to learning contentment, for it is something that can be learned. Chapter 3 talks about getting better than we deserve. Often times be sent we deserve more when we don’t. If you approach life as the grace of God upon you, it is easier to learn contentment.
In chapter 4, Raymond connects contentment to godliness. The understanding of godliness is great gain shows how we can be content. When we make more of God than what we want out of life, we can meet content. This keeps us from the love of money and most of other fleshly desires that will keep us from contentment.
Chapter 5 teaches us to look through the shiny wrappers people present to us to make us discontent. They make things look better than they are. When they make us think things are better than they are, it whets our appetite to have more than we already do. It opens us up to materialism. He makes us wonder what we do not have. The background for this insatiable desire is sin. He talks about how Satan uses these tactics today.
In chapter 6, the author challenges us to just say no to the desires of our flesh and to the things that draw us away from contentment. God supplies everything we need. When we cannot say no to what we want, we deny that God is our Provider. He talks about how self-esteem and the soft culture have blinded us to our selfishness. We find it impossible to deny ourselves. He helps the reader to learn how to deny themselves.
Chapter 7 contentment passage where God says to “Be still and know that I am God.” Realizing God’s character and nature, who He is for us, and who He is to us, will help us to be content in Him. God provides all our needs. He takes care of us. He knows what’s best for us. We need to see the issue of discontentment as not realizing who God is and how He cares for us.
In chapter 8, Raymond discusses how we can be a faithful bride to Christ by recognizing His provision for us and becoming content. When we live a content might, it shows our love for Jesus. He shares other strategies for how to live a content filled life. In the final chapter, the author reminds us that we are not yet home. Like children on a trip, we keep asking if we are home yet, but we are not there. We need to be content in our lives here because our inheritance is not yet complete. When we focus on our inheritance in heaven, we must show that contentment by how we live here.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It presents a balanced and biblical approach to living a life of contentment. I did feel the book was a long read, but it was good to follow the author through the arguments about contentment and live in this life to glorify Christ. I recommend it to anyone who struggles with contentment, or is in the process of learning contentment and gets lost in the weeds of life. The author will keep you put in contentment as the target of your life.
The author opens by defining contentment in the first part of his book. Chapter 1 talks about how to understand what contentment is, because if we don’t understand what it is, how can we be expected to be content? In chapter 2, he talks about God having this quality of contentment within Himself. This is why He expects contentment from us, because He is content.
The second part of the book is on the practical approach to learning contentment, for it is something that can be learned. Chapter 3 talks about getting better than we deserve. Often times be sent we deserve more when we don’t. If you approach life as the grace of God upon you, it is easier to learn contentment.
In chapter 4, Raymond connects contentment to godliness. The understanding of godliness is great gain shows how we can be content. When we make more of God than what we want out of life, we can meet content. This keeps us from the love of money and most of other fleshly desires that will keep us from contentment.
Chapter 5 teaches us to look through the shiny wrappers people present to us to make us discontent. They make things look better than they are. When they make us think things are better than they are, it whets our appetite to have more than we already do. It opens us up to materialism. He makes us wonder what we do not have. The background for this insatiable desire is sin. He talks about how Satan uses these tactics today.
In chapter 6, the author challenges us to just say no to the desires of our flesh and to the things that draw us away from contentment. God supplies everything we need. When we cannot say no to what we want, we deny that God is our Provider. He talks about how self-esteem and the soft culture have blinded us to our selfishness. We find it impossible to deny ourselves. He helps the reader to learn how to deny themselves.
Chapter 7 contentment passage where God says to “Be still and know that I am God.” Realizing God’s character and nature, who He is for us, and who He is to us, will help us to be content in Him. God provides all our needs. He takes care of us. He knows what’s best for us. We need to see the issue of discontentment as not realizing who God is and how He cares for us.
In chapter 8, Raymond discusses how we can be a faithful bride to Christ by recognizing His provision for us and becoming content. When we live a content might, it shows our love for Jesus. He shares other strategies for how to live a content filled life. In the final chapter, the author reminds us that we are not yet home. Like children on a trip, we keep asking if we are home yet, but we are not there. We need to be content in our lives here because our inheritance is not yet complete. When we focus on our inheritance in heaven, we must show that contentment by how we live here.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It presents a balanced and biblical approach to living a life of contentment. I did feel the book was a long read, but it was good to follow the author through the arguments about contentment and live in this life to glorify Christ. I recommend it to anyone who struggles with contentment, or is in the process of learning contentment and gets lost in the weeds of life. The author will keep you put in contentment as the target of your life.
November 17, 2021
A spiritually profitable resource to grow in contentment. In addition to the Bible, Raymond draws from Jeremiah Burroughs' The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment and Thomas Watson's The Art of Divine Contentment (which are also based on the Bible). In that way, this book is similar to The Secret of Contentment by William B. Barcley, which is based on those same 2 books. I benefited more from Barcley's book than from this one, and I benefited even more from Watson's The Art of Divine Contentment.
Notes
Preface
Heb 13:5-6 teaches that you can and must be content in any circumstances, because God, not circumstances, is the source of contentment.
Understanding Contentment
Contentment doesn't mean being numb or insensitive to problems, or ignoring them. We can recognize difficulty while resting in God. Contentment doesn't mean we can't voice complaints to God (Ps 3:4; 34:6; 55:16-17; 77:1; 142:1-3); we're to cast our cares on God (1 Pet 5:7). We may complain to God, but may not complain about God. Contentment doesn't preclude seeking lawful means of escaping negative situations.
Better Than I Deserve
We all deserve Hell (without Christ saving us), so receiving anything else is cause for contentment.
If you're having a hard time being content, make a list of everything you have that you don't deserve, and a list of everything you deserve and don't have. You'll realize how kind and gracious God has been.
Just Say No!
Remember that without God, you're nothing, and deserve nothing (Jn 15:5). This helps you deny yourself.
Be Still and Know
If you're grumbling, you're not content. You're saying that God is getting it wrong, and questioning His wisdom, goodness, and power.
You can't be content in the present if you're bitter about the past. Bitterness is saying that God failed you, and questioning His wisdom, goodness, and power.
You Are Not Yet Home
Phil 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me") isn't about things going well; it's about trusting God when things aren't going well. It's not about achieving everything you wish for, but about God enabling us to find our identity, joy, and purpose in Him rather than ourselves.
"This [difficult circumstances] is all the Hell you will ever have." Have an eternal perspective; "yours is coming, and it will be more and far better than you could ever have envied here on earth."
4 practices for fostering contentment
1. Look around at other Christians. Pray for those struggling. Rejoice for those doing well. Be reminded of how God is working in His people's lives.
2. Look back at how God changed your life at your conversion. Be reminded of the hope and joy it brought.
3. Look ahead to your eternal home with righteousness and joy (Ps 16:11).
4. Look at Christ. To be content, think less about yourself and more about Christ and His love for you and promises to you.
Thank God for all His appointments of providence. Whether He gives you much or little, be content that He has apportioned it.
Notes
Preface
Heb 13:5-6 teaches that you can and must be content in any circumstances, because God, not circumstances, is the source of contentment.
Understanding Contentment
Contentment doesn't mean being numb or insensitive to problems, or ignoring them. We can recognize difficulty while resting in God. Contentment doesn't mean we can't voice complaints to God (Ps 3:4; 34:6; 55:16-17; 77:1; 142:1-3); we're to cast our cares on God (1 Pet 5:7). We may complain to God, but may not complain about God. Contentment doesn't preclude seeking lawful means of escaping negative situations.
Better Than I Deserve
We all deserve Hell (without Christ saving us), so receiving anything else is cause for contentment.
If you're having a hard time being content, make a list of everything you have that you don't deserve, and a list of everything you deserve and don't have. You'll realize how kind and gracious God has been.
Just Say No!
Remember that without God, you're nothing, and deserve nothing (Jn 15:5). This helps you deny yourself.
Be Still and Know
If you're grumbling, you're not content. You're saying that God is getting it wrong, and questioning His wisdom, goodness, and power.
You can't be content in the present if you're bitter about the past. Bitterness is saying that God failed you, and questioning His wisdom, goodness, and power.
You Are Not Yet Home
Phil 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me") isn't about things going well; it's about trusting God when things aren't going well. It's not about achieving everything you wish for, but about God enabling us to find our identity, joy, and purpose in Him rather than ourselves.
"This [difficult circumstances] is all the Hell you will ever have." Have an eternal perspective; "yours is coming, and it will be more and far better than you could ever have envied here on earth."
4 practices for fostering contentment
1. Look around at other Christians. Pray for those struggling. Rejoice for those doing well. Be reminded of how God is working in His people's lives.
2. Look back at how God changed your life at your conversion. Be reminded of the hope and joy it brought.
3. Look ahead to your eternal home with righteousness and joy (Ps 16:11).
4. Look at Christ. To be content, think less about yourself and more about Christ and His love for you and promises to you.
Thank God for all His appointments of providence. Whether He gives you much or little, be content that He has apportioned it.
December 21, 2017
This book will be on my end of year Top 10 for 2017. Erik Raymond has given a gift to the church body in this work. We find ourselves, our society, and our churches often asking questions surrounding contentment, what it is made up of, can it be attained, and at what cost? These are all answered by Erik Raymond with the stunningly simple answer that true contentment can be found in Christ alone!
The opening six chapters, in my estimation, lays the groundwork for the books two best chapters, seven and eight. It is these two chapters that I will come back to for insight and training purposes.
Chapter seven deals with how we handle God's providence in our lives. While it is a word most Christians know they are vague in its definition and even more vague in its application in their life. Raymond does a masterful job of outlining the doctrine of providence being key for our souls contentment. It is often through as Raymond says, "our grumbling about the present, bitterness over the past, and anxiety over the future" that betrays our lack of faith and trust in God's providence. Pastorally and tenderly, Erik Raymond moves the reader to consider that all things that are happening in the life of each believer, and everyone else for that matter, is coming from the direct involvement of God in human affairs. While it can often be unsettling to think in these terms, because God's ways are so far beyond ours, it is still a truth that must be embraced by Christians if we are ever to find contentment.
Chapter eight deals with the need for Christians to be involved in the local church as a means to experience the contentment that is our in Christ. It is in the gathering of the saints that the gospel is preached, sin is confessed, the Table is offered, and we are reminded of our need for Christ. It is precisely in remembering our need for Christ that our souls are able to rest in his all sufficiency and care for us, thereby bring contentment. I drew the most encouragement from Raymond's exhortation for church's to have a right view of health and to be okay with being ordinary, because it is in the ordinariness of life that God often does his most profound work. As a church planter this was a refreshing drink of cool Gospel water in the midst of the toil and pain of pastoring a new church plant.
Wherever you are in life I would imagine you are struggling with contentment. Go get this book and read it, preferably with someone who can help point out blind spots of discontent in your life, and be prepared to have your entire definition of contentment changed for the better!
The opening six chapters, in my estimation, lays the groundwork for the books two best chapters, seven and eight. It is these two chapters that I will come back to for insight and training purposes.
Chapter seven deals with how we handle God's providence in our lives. While it is a word most Christians know they are vague in its definition and even more vague in its application in their life. Raymond does a masterful job of outlining the doctrine of providence being key for our souls contentment. It is often through as Raymond says, "our grumbling about the present, bitterness over the past, and anxiety over the future" that betrays our lack of faith and trust in God's providence. Pastorally and tenderly, Erik Raymond moves the reader to consider that all things that are happening in the life of each believer, and everyone else for that matter, is coming from the direct involvement of God in human affairs. While it can often be unsettling to think in these terms, because God's ways are so far beyond ours, it is still a truth that must be embraced by Christians if we are ever to find contentment.
Chapter eight deals with the need for Christians to be involved in the local church as a means to experience the contentment that is our in Christ. It is in the gathering of the saints that the gospel is preached, sin is confessed, the Table is offered, and we are reminded of our need for Christ. It is precisely in remembering our need for Christ that our souls are able to rest in his all sufficiency and care for us, thereby bring contentment. I drew the most encouragement from Raymond's exhortation for church's to have a right view of health and to be okay with being ordinary, because it is in the ordinariness of life that God often does his most profound work. As a church planter this was a refreshing drink of cool Gospel water in the midst of the toil and pain of pastoring a new church plant.
Wherever you are in life I would imagine you are struggling with contentment. Go get this book and read it, preferably with someone who can help point out blind spots of discontent in your life, and be prepared to have your entire definition of contentment changed for the better!
August 3, 2017
Chasing Contentment by Erik Raymond is one of the best books I have come across this year. In this book the Raymond draws on his own person study and the works of Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson in addressing the topic of contentment.
As is noted right on the cover we live in a discontented age. Almost every aspect of our culture seems to encourage discontentment so that our discontentment can become a source to profit from. I think the definition provided:"the inward, gracious, quiet spirit, that joyfully rests in God's providence" is one that captures the biblical understanding of contentment. After defining contentment Raymond explores how we learn contentment. One of the keys to contentment as Raymond points out is understanding what we really deserve in light of our sin against God. Too often believers can drift into discontentment because they have not rightly understood the enormity of sin and God's amazing grace. Throughout this book Raymond encourages the reader to see the pursuit of contentment in terms of our relationship with God and the promises of God something especially evident in the books closing chapter.
I would recommend this book to any pastor I know. Many pastors are prone to discontentment and even those who might not be still minister to people who are largely discontent in life. In a day an age where everything is telling us we need newer, better, and more this book points us to the path of true contentment in God's care and provision for us in this present age.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of the ebook from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
As is noted right on the cover we live in a discontented age. Almost every aspect of our culture seems to encourage discontentment so that our discontentment can become a source to profit from. I think the definition provided:"the inward, gracious, quiet spirit, that joyfully rests in God's providence" is one that captures the biblical understanding of contentment. After defining contentment Raymond explores how we learn contentment. One of the keys to contentment as Raymond points out is understanding what we really deserve in light of our sin against God. Too often believers can drift into discontentment because they have not rightly understood the enormity of sin and God's amazing grace. Throughout this book Raymond encourages the reader to see the pursuit of contentment in terms of our relationship with God and the promises of God something especially evident in the books closing chapter.
I would recommend this book to any pastor I know. Many pastors are prone to discontentment and even those who might not be still minister to people who are largely discontent in life. In a day an age where everything is telling us we need newer, better, and more this book points us to the path of true contentment in God's care and provision for us in this present age.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of the ebook from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
November 27, 2023
Meh. Very much a modernised and repackaged version of Burroughs' 'Rare Jewel' but with the same attendant issues. Despite the necessary statement that Christian contentment is not stoicism, the difference between them was not clear to me as a reader. Related to that, the various analogies used to describe true contentment contradict each other - it cannot be both inward (achieved by accepting and resting in whatever comes your way as from God) and external (gained by taking in something from outside your self; i.e Jesus). My biggest complaint is how much of the argument of this book is based on Evangelical truisms (you should read your bible more, pray more, and be more committed to the church) rather than passages of scripture that actually describe the offer of contentment in the gospel (Jesus and the woman in John 4, Jesus and the bread in John 6, the invitation in Isaiah 55, et al.)
There is much truth in this book, but was it all truth that belonged in a book about a Christian view of contentment? Perhaps. Were they used at the expense of far more relevant nuggets of biblical truth? Definitely.
There is much truth in this book, but was it all truth that belonged in a book about a Christian view of contentment? Perhaps. Were they used at the expense of far more relevant nuggets of biblical truth? Definitely.
December 30, 2017
This is a great little primer on a very deep and very important topic. Raymond borrows heavily from Puritan authors Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson to define contentment and to dig into how it plays out practically in life. Some of the anecdotes and illustrations didn't quite click for me, and I think the "could (should) be worse" and "will get better" perspectives, i.e. the past and future realities that are the basis of Christian contentment, were disproportionately emphasized over the "I'm a beloved child of God" present reality, which I've found to be much more effectual when dealing with discouragement and discontent. Overall, though, the topic was covered thoroughly, and I'm sure I will return to this book many times over the years. I especially value the parts when the author brings the deeper doctrines of the Christian faith to bear, showing for example how God's contentment in his triune self is foundational to our experience of contentment in him, or how we can be content in divine providence when we grow in understanding the character and workings of God.
June 4, 2017
Discontentment is something I struggled with a lot in past recent years. Lately, I have been getting better at it but realize I am still extremely weak in contentment and need more guidance and knowledge on how to maintain it. That is why I decided to read Erik Raymond’s book on the less discussed topic.
Raymond often uses Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson as references for his thoughts on contentment. These two men - who have written books on the subject - were also mentioned by Jim Berg in his book, God Is More Than Enough: Foundations for a Quiet Soul. I read that earlier this year and I would like to recommend reading Berg's book around the same time you read this one as it corresponds well with many of the things Raymond discusses in this book.
Through works of others and many Scriptural references, Raymond defines contentment and tells us some ways we can learn contentment. Being content is easier said than done – one really has to work at contentment, especially when faced with difficulties such as pain, loss, or injustice. There were many things in this book that inspired me yet overwhelmed me because some of the things God commands us to do are difficult (due to our sinful nature). However, Raymond supplies readers with an abundance of encouraging Scripture that gives us hope and strength to do God’s work.
Since reading this, I have been training my mind to think more God-centered thoughts and perceive circumstances that come my way through my knowledge of who God is and what He does for us. I think everyone deals with discontentment at some point(s) in their life; I recommend this book to everyone as I hope it will also encourage them to have contentment, "the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (p. 23).
Raymond often uses Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson as references for his thoughts on contentment. These two men - who have written books on the subject - were also mentioned by Jim Berg in his book, God Is More Than Enough: Foundations for a Quiet Soul. I read that earlier this year and I would like to recommend reading Berg's book around the same time you read this one as it corresponds well with many of the things Raymond discusses in this book.
Through works of others and many Scriptural references, Raymond defines contentment and tells us some ways we can learn contentment. Being content is easier said than done – one really has to work at contentment, especially when faced with difficulties such as pain, loss, or injustice. There were many things in this book that inspired me yet overwhelmed me because some of the things God commands us to do are difficult (due to our sinful nature). However, Raymond supplies readers with an abundance of encouraging Scripture that gives us hope and strength to do God’s work.
Since reading this, I have been training my mind to think more God-centered thoughts and perceive circumstances that come my way through my knowledge of who God is and what He does for us. I think everyone deals with discontentment at some point(s) in their life; I recommend this book to everyone as I hope it will also encourage them to have contentment, "the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (p. 23).
July 11, 2017
We live in a time when people seem to be generally discontent; Impatient, moody, complaining and jealous. Though we have moments of happiness, we've lost what it means to be truly content. The good news is that we can learn this, as the Apostle Paul says.
Erik Raymond lays out what true contentment is and why it is found only in God. He then explains, through scripture and personal stories, how he can go about learning to be content in God.
Every self-proclaiming Christian should read this book. The Gospel message is at its core: we deserve Hell, but God sent His son Jesus to redeem us and bring us back to Him. This is where our contentment lies. Raymond lays it out in such a way that anyone with a heart willing to be changed will feel the need for it.
This isn't the name-it-and-claim-it gospel. It's not health and wealth. It's loving God and being content in Him, whether you have everything or nothing at all. It's Biblical truth, and much needed.
I received an electronic copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
Erik Raymond lays out what true contentment is and why it is found only in God. He then explains, through scripture and personal stories, how he can go about learning to be content in God.
Every self-proclaiming Christian should read this book. The Gospel message is at its core: we deserve Hell, but God sent His son Jesus to redeem us and bring us back to Him. This is where our contentment lies. Raymond lays it out in such a way that anyone with a heart willing to be changed will feel the need for it.
This isn't the name-it-and-claim-it gospel. It's not health and wealth. It's loving God and being content in Him, whether you have everything or nothing at all. It's Biblical truth, and much needed.
I received an electronic copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
“A person can’t be a Christian in isolation” I have heard this from 2 other pastors not just this one. I respectfully do not agree with them. There are some examples of people who were in long term isolation who maintained their faith. It was only by the grace of God. I do agree it is not a desirable way to live. I do agree with this pastor on praying through psalms. It’s something I’ve already heard from my pastor but this made me want to try to do it. There is even more wisdom also but most of it I’ve already heard. It’s still worth the read though because repetition is always good for me. I hate reviewing Christian books but this one was a must for me.
April 26, 2019
This book serves as a timely word in a culture that thrives on looking toward the next big thing. Drawing from classics by Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson, Raymond has written a book that is theologically dense. This book is rooted in Scripture and presents a clear shot to the heart of discontent. Drawing from personal experience this book is also immediately practical and likely no one who reads it honestly can walk away without feeling convicted. I encourage this read to anyone wrestling with discontentment as a loving push to seek and savor Jesus Christ.
May 23, 2021
Great book on a misunderstood subject
Contentment is often misunderstood. Some think it's passivity, others see as indifference. Raymond gives the reader a description of Christian contentment. He informs us that contentment is rooted in the providence of God, and our citizenship is in heaven. He urges to fix our eyes on things above. And he reminds us that God uses all things are for our good. In an age where materialism runs rampant, this book serves as a reminder of the value of eternity, and what Jesus has done.
Contentment is often misunderstood. Some think it's passivity, others see as indifference. Raymond gives the reader a description of Christian contentment. He informs us that contentment is rooted in the providence of God, and our citizenship is in heaven. He urges to fix our eyes on things above. And he reminds us that God uses all things are for our good. In an age where materialism runs rampant, this book serves as a reminder of the value of eternity, and what Jesus has done.
August 15, 2022
I'd start to say I would recommend this book to any believer, but I think it is more that it was just the perfect book for me in my current stage of life. Each chapter of this book showed how the gospel relates to contentment, and reminds us how to put our focus on the things eternal instead of the things of this world.
I realize that may sound generic and surface level, but this book was incredibly impactful for me. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the idea of Christian contentment.
I realize that may sound generic and surface level, but this book was incredibly impactful for me. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the idea of Christian contentment.
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