Cultivating Contentment In Our Heart and Home

The art of cultivating contentment and gratitude in our heart and home is a constant struggle and concern.

It is so easy to adopt a complaining habit.  I see my kids wanting more toys, and being ungrateful for the things they have.  I have been guilty of wishing and dreaming for something new that I didn’t necessarily need.

We live in a society where the world is telling us we need the latest and the greatest items to succeed, or be pretty or smarter. Cultivating contentment in the midst of these messages and to go against the culture is something we all struggle with.

As you know, we live in an old farmhouse which is in need of work all the time. It can be extremely discouraging to try to keep my attitude and heart in the right place and thank the Lord for what I have–not thinking of all that I want.  I have been on a journey to find the place of contentment and a heart that says “this is enough”, and in my journey I have discovered some things that help me to get my focus back where it belongs.

I couldn’t wait to share with you these practical and spiritual ways of cultivating contentment, because I need all the help I can get when it’s not coming naturally for me!

Steps Cultivating Contentment In Our Heart and Home

Simplify and de-clutter your heart and the home. It is amazing how new and wonderful your house and attitude will feel when you do this.  Start with the heart by asking God to give you a new attitude toward your home and surroundings.  As you clean and de-clutter the home a new perspective will come.  You will feel peaceful and in return feel more grateful.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Fill your home with inspirational decor. Don’t just buy stuff that is cute, but think about its purpose and its meaning to you.  Ask yourself three questions about your things.  Do I need it?  Do I love it? Does it bless our family?  Now there are some things in our home that we just have to keep because of their purpose.  But when it comes to decorating the home, why not think about using scripture, inspirational sayings and verses? Items that inspire you and your family.  I love to do this in my home and enjoy the constant reminders I see at every turn. This helps me keep contentment with the visual reminder.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.Psalm 34:1

Start everyday by offering praise to the Lord.  Sometimes we can get focused on expressing our needs to God instead of just giving thanks. Find a way to include the entire family in a daily habit of gratitude and cultivating contenment. Use meals times or bedtimes to say and record your blessings as a family.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalm 113:3

Leave encouraging notes and verses for the entire family to read as they pass by in the home.  Use a chalkboard or whiteboard to write a daily scripture or thankful note.  Leave fun messages on the bathroom mirror for your husband and send notes in your kids lunches, letting them know how much you love them. 

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her house and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31: 26-27

Pray for contentment in your circumstances and surroundings. Praising God for the roof over your head and the floor beneath your feet is a simple but powerful prayer.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

Add memorable items to your home. Fill your home with photographs, family scrapbooks, and albums.  Make a gallery wall with mementos, and meaningful items that will keep gratitude in the forefront of your mind.

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86:17

Play uplifting praise and instrumental music through out the day. This has been a miracle worker in my home!  When I play music in the background it keeps me singing and in an attitude of worship, and my kids are calmer and fight less when I work to create this worshipful atmosphere.

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. Psalm 7:17

Lighting candles creates a mood of relaxation which in turn makes our home feel more inviting. We are then naturally grateful to be home! Contentment seems to flow when I create this mood.

She makes coverings for her bed;  she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:22

When we practice daily gratitude in spiritual and  practical ways, our home will naturally be more beautiful. 

So what about you? What helps you develop and cultivate contentment in your heart and home?

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