How to Find Real Contentment in Christ Alone

How to Find Real Contentment in Christ Alone

Author: The Gospel Coalition May 26, 2023 Duration: 39:35

In her message at TGCW22, Lydia Brownback addresses the topic of contentment and points to where we can find true fulfillment for the things in our life that just don't feel quite right.

When there is discontentment in our lives, there are usually two avenues we typically take to deal with it: take it to the Lord or avoid it with busyness or another handy escape. Brownback uses Psalm 73 to teach about Asaph's journey from discontentment to contentment through his response to disappointment. In Psalm 73:25, Asaph declares, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”

When it comes to responding to discontentment and disappointing circumstances, Brownback says, “Our responses to disappointment are a window into our heart.” Those responses often show us whether we are following Christ for who he is or merely for what he can give us.

The antidote to wrong thinking about God, which is the root of discontentment, is to develop a right perspective on God and trust him with the guidance of our lives. Ultimately, true contentment is God's will for us no matter our circumstances, and in Christ, contentment is always possible. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, may we draw near to the Lord with trust and declare that there is nothing on earth that we desire besides him.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


Drawing from the archives of live events, the TGC Podcast from The Gospel Coalition offers a front-row seat to thoughtful discussions that sit at the intersection of faith and everyday life. This collection presents keynote addresses and breakout sessions recorded at their various conferences, capturing moments of teaching and dialogue meant to deepen understanding. The conversations you'll hear are grounded in a Christian worldview, exploring how timeless truths engage with contemporary issues in culture, philosophy, and society. It’s a resource for anyone curious about how spiritual conviction informs our approach to art, work, community, and leadership. By sharing these talks, the aim is to provide practical theology and thoughtful commentary that helps listeners navigate the complexities of modern life with wisdom and grace. Each episode serves as a standalone session, whether it's a deep dive into a biblical text, an analysis of cultural trends, or reflections on pastoral ministry. Tuning into this podcast means accessing a wealth of perspectives dedicated to forming resilient faith. The content is crafted not just for pastors and church leaders, but for any believer seeking to connect their Sunday faith to their Monday reality. You will encounter a range of voices from within The Gospel Coalition network, all united by a commitment to the centrality of the gospel. The hope is that these recordings equip and challenge you to think more deeply about your own spiritual journey and your role in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 438

TGC Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Article on Audio: Save the Humanities from the Slop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:32
Find the full text of this article at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/save-humanities-slop/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona…
Jesus, Betrayed and Crucified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
"This is the heart of the gospel. This is the center of history. This is God dying in our place." This message on Jesus’s passage from Luke 23 was preached by Gary Millar at TGC’s 2013 National Conference. When Jesus wen…
Article on Audio: Welcome Back, Church Planting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:18
Find the full text of this article at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/welcome-back-church-planting/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of…
What You Should Know About Christian Conversion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:54
“But God, being rich in mercy . . . made us alive together with Christ.” Nothing is more essential to Christianity than this truth from Ephesians 2:4–5. In this conversation recorded at TGC25, Ligon Duncan and Michael La…
Wisdom for Families Affected by Divorce [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:34
Divorce feels final and defeating. But our stories aren’t over yet, and divorce doesn’t have the final say. In Christ, there’s hope for the days ahead. In this conversation recorded at TGCW24, Wendy Alsup, Blair Linne, J…
Article on Audio: Christian Parents Need the Classics Too [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
Find the full text of this article at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christian-parents-need-classics/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us…
How to Let Scripture Interpret Scripture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:06
Benjamin Gladd and Nancy Guthrie outline principles for making sound biblical connections, tracing themes in the text, and avoiding common pitfalls of biblical interpretation. The New Testament includes 350 direct quotat…