I have been watching men struggle with restless discontentment my whole life. It shows up in young, middle age, and older men.

Restless is defined as lacking or denying rest:uneasy, continuously moving: unquiet, and characterized by or manifesting unrest, especially of the mind. Discontent is defined as a lack of satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation: lack of contentment, restless aspiration for improvement.

Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com

Have you ever noticed how exciting new things become common old things? New and exciting things are thrilling. But day to day ordinary life becomes ho-hum. Life is so full of ordinary days. What can often follow the ordinary days is restless discontent

“Ultimately, this life cannot give us everything for which we yearn. We are always somewhat frustrated, unfulfilled, diseased, out of rhythm, and restless.”

Ronald Rolheiser, author of Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity

Be aware. Restless discontentment wants to consume you. It wants to own your soul and take you down a path that ends in bitterness.

Restful Contentment

The opposite of restless discontent is restful contentment.

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

C.S. Lewis

Prayer

Father, thank you for your presence. And thank you that you are ever present. When restless discontentment tries to knock on the door to my soul, please help me to not answer. Help me live powerfully today. Help me spread joy and blessings. And help me be grateful and content for each and every day you give. Amen.

Bible Meditation

 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)