Lament as the Path to True Contentment
The sacred practice of lament serves as a bridge between life’s trials and the hope found in Christ. By bringing our discontentment before God in prayer, we have the opportunity to transform our pain into praise and uncover the profound mystery of true contentment—a contentment not defined by our circumstances, but by Christ alone.
When the rains of suffering pour down and the storms of sin rage around us, where can we find shelter? For believers facing these turbulent times, the challenge is to remain anchored—to resist the powerful currents of anxiety and discontent. The Puritan wisdom, “There is nothing that can befall us without Him in whom we live,” stands as a guiding light, leading us toward lasting peace and true contentment.
Now, let’s explore some practical steps to help cultivate a heart of contentment amid life’s challenges.
1. Embrace Emotion
First and foremost, we must reject a stoic approach to life. While Stoicism emphasizes a detached form of contentment, Christianity invites us to experience a full spectrum of emotions—including lament. As theologian Gregg Allison reminds us, “Maturing as Christ’s followers is not only about spiritual and moral/ethical progress but physical development as well.” God designed us as holistic beings, and true contentment comes from acknowledging and nurturing our emotional and physical well-being.
Engaging in life’s activities—sleeping well, fulfilling our God-given responsibilities, praying, crying, celebrating, exercising, and enjoying meals—are all essential components of being content. Lament, far from being a weakness, is a powerful gift that connects us to our embodied reality and the grace of God.
2. From Pain to Praise: The Mystery of Transformation
Next, we can observe how God transforms pain into praise. The journey of lament often leads us to profound revelations about our circumstances. As Burroughs wisely states, “The way of contentment to a carnal heart is only the removing of the affliction. O that it may be gone! ‘No,’ says a gracious heart, ‘God has taught me a way to be content though the affliction itself still continues.’”
Consider the metamorphosis of a butterfly: from an egg to a caterpillar, then to a chrysalis, and finally emerging as a beautiful butterfly. This process reflects how God can take our trials and transform them into something magnificent. The story of Joseph in the Bible illustrates this perfectly—despite his brothers’ betrayal, he recognized God’s hand at work: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Through Jesus’ own suffering, we see the ultimate example of how God can turn darkness into light. If He can bring good from the most harrowing of circumstances, surely He can do the same in our lives. Burroughs emphasizes this mystery of contentment, where affliction is not merely removed but transformed into something beneficial.
3. The Art of Subtraction: Finding Contentment in Less
A practical approach to achieving contentment involves understanding the concept of addition and subtraction. In a world obsessed with accumulating more—be it wealth, status, or relationships—we must remember that true contentment often comes from subtracting our desires rather than adding to our lives. Burroughs asserts, “A Christian comes to contentment, not so much by way of addition, as by way of subtraction.”
Instead of seeking to fulfill every desire, we should strive for an “evenness” between our hearts and our circumstances. This shift in perspective allows us to find peace in our current situations rather than constantly yearning for more. It helps us to find peace where we are, rather than constantly longing for what we lack.
4. If You Must Add, Add Eternity
If you find yourself wanting to add something to your life, let it be the weighty matter of your relationship with the Creator. Burroughs encourages us to carry the burden of our sins and seek peace with God above all else. “When the heart is taken up with the weighty things of eternity,” he says, “the things of here below that disquieted it before are of no consequence.”
This focus on eternal matters helps diminish the significance of temporary struggles, guiding us toward a deeper, more fulfilling sense of contentment.
5. Gratitude: Enjoying God’s Gifts
Finally, remember to enjoy the blessings you already possess. Whether it’s health, family, a job, or simple pleasures, gratitude opens our hearts to the beauty of God’s grace. Burroughs beautifully states, “So by the art of contentment, we may bring in the comfort of any condition to ourselves.” Accepting and cherishing God’s gifts allows us to cultivate a joyful spirit.
Conclusion: The Sacred Art of Contentment
While both believers and non-believers value contentment, the Christian understanding of it differs profoundly from Stoic philosophy. For Christians, the path to contentment involves embracing Christ and allowing the practice of lament to enrich our emotional lives.
The teachings of Puritan thinkers like Burroughs, Boston, and Flavel reveal that true contentment is born from a deep relationship with God and an understanding of His providence. In a world filled with turmoil, let us find peace in knowing that God’s grace can quiet our restless hearts.
In the end, “Lighten your heart by laying your all upon Him.” Embrace the journey toward contentment, recognizing that it is a sacred art, woven into the fabric of our faith and experience.
Ashley Baker 