Have you ever gotten something you really wanted, like a new video game, cool sneakers, or a shiny new bike, and loved it…for about a week? Then you saw something newer and cooler, and suddenly the thing you had didn’t seem so great anymore. It’s hard to be content. Being content means being happy and satisfied with what you have, instead of always wanting more.

Here’s something that might surprise you: even the apostle Paul said he had to learn to be content. It didn’t come easily for him either! And do you know where he was when he wrote about it? In jail! Paul didn’t have a comfy bed or his favorite stuff. But he had learned to be thankful anyway, because he had Jesus.

Sometimes when we’re not content, we try to fix it by getting more stuff or begging for things to change right now. But contentment often grows while we wait on God. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Waiting on God doesn’t mean sitting around doing nothing. It means praying, trusting Him, and being thankful for what He’s already given you while you wait to see what He’ll do next.And here’s the secret: the more thankful you are, the more content you’ll be!

Take Action: Make a “Got It” list! Walk around your room or your house and write down ten things you already have that you’re thankful for. Don’t forget the big things that aren’t stuff, like your family, your friends, and a warm bed. When you’re done, read your list to God and say thank You for each thing.