Chasing Contentment: Trusting God in a Discontented Age Paperback – March 31, 2017

I really enjoyed reading this book. I resonated much with the author-his emphases, his way of saying things, the way he spoke about the gospel, and sometimes his writing. And overall, his insights on contentment were really well researched and helpful.I was tempted to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it was less about contentment head on, and rather was more a really good primer on the Christian gospel-with contentment thrown in (in a good way) here and there. But since all his gospel talk and application was so solid, I did not want to make it look like less of a book. It just was not exactly what I was expecting.The book was split up into two major sections. Part 1 is entitled "Defining Contentment." Here, Raymond does an excellent job explaining what contentment is in two chapters. This was excellent, and very insightful and helpful. His first chapter is about what contentment is, and then his second is showing that God himself is content. More on this later.The second part is about "Learning Contentment." This was full of solid, gospel-driven insights and applications about how to think and live in the world. It really was great. However, it wasn't specifically about contentment. Rather, it was about living for and loving Jesus supremely, and finding joy in him (all excellent stuff!), but less about the idea of contentment specifically itself. Contentment was explained only every once and a while as more of a result of living steadfastly, trustingly, and joyfully in Christ. That being said, his comments, suggestions, and applications about living more joyfully in Christ were really gospel-driven and helpful-it just wasn't as much about contentment itself head on as I hoped it would be.But back to the book's beginning. In the introduction, he begins by helpfully stating that "contentment is something attainable" and that it "is something that God commands and provides the grace to experience" (15).Then in the first chapter of the book-which I thought was by far the best chapter of the entire book on contentment-he defines contentment using four ideas: "Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (23). This whole chapter is clear, insightful, and well organized. I would write more on it here, but I wrote a whole blog post about it on my site under the title "4 Characteristics of Contentment" (here: https://www.seekingformore.com/posts/...). In short, it was a wonderful chapter really explaining what contentment is (and is not).From there he explains how God is content and made us for contentment in chapter 2, and then the rest of the book is basically about gospel living. I will not summarize all these chapters here. They were very helpful and well written, both theologically and pastorally. Instead, I will give my favorite quotes and ideas:His first chapter is about realizing that we are treated way better than we deserve. Meaning, that we find more joy/contentment in being humble. On this, Raymond writes, "The point is clear: Jesus came for weak people who are looking for someone strong to lean upon in faith. He did not come for apparently strong people who are looking for congratulations on their awesomeness" (58).Concerning dwelling on sin for the sake of contentment, Raymond cites Owen and says, "John Owen helps us here as a doctor of sanctification. He cautions us about moving too quickly from sin to the banquet table of forgiveness. He is attempting to produce in us contrite, humble, grateful heart…As Christians, we should be familiar with mercy but never presume upon it. Mercy is a costly divine gift that should inflame our hearts with love even as it melts our pride" (60-61).Concerning forgetting self, he writes, "Contentment comes not from focusing on ourselves or feasting on stuff but by focusing and fearing on Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13)."And more on humility: "We all come to God as dependent children who need to grow in our godliness. We need to have our minds renewed and reformed to thik God's thoughts after him. One of the main hindrances to giving ourselves to regular reading and study of the Scriptures is the folly of thinking that we are wise. Rather, God would have us become fools (1 Cor. 3:18) that we would become wise in him through the instruction of the Bible" (70).Concerning quotes about denying sinful things which appear to give us joy, but really don't, I wrote a whole blog post on it because of some of his quotes. It is entitled "Learning to Deny the 'Shiny Wrappers'" and can be found here: https://www.seekingformore.com/Concerning contentment in God supremely: "God wills that he be the source of your contentment…It is one of the many ironies of the gospel: deny yourself and be found content in Christ; deny Christ and find yourself restless lost in yourself" (104).He says, "To see your need of Christ and his willingness to save you creates an explosion of happiness in the soul" (107).And practically, in practicing self-denial for the sake of our contentment, he says to 1) remember what self-indulgence brings; 2) remember what you really need; 3) remember what Jesus died to bring; 4) remember the practice of self-denial; and 5) reduce your desires to fit your circumstances. All of these are helpful ideas and can be found on pages 107-110.Concerning finding contentment and rest in God's reality and supremacy no matter what comes our way, he cleverly points out: "Instead of giving us what we might consider a sufficient explanation, Scripture gives us an all-sufficient person" (120). And he says, "Instead of interpreting God's character in light of our circumstances, we must do the opposite and interpret our circumstances in light of God's character" (127).Concerning the church in this chase for contentment, he states, "The church is the most important organization on the planet. Its importance and inherent value are dependent not upon size but on substance" (130).He then reminds us that we are not yet home in the last chapter. He beautifully shows that contentment is more to come in beauty. He writes that suffering here "propels our hearts and minds toward Immanuel's land, where the gospel song will be on everyone's lips" (158).And in the conclusion he asks whether we show the fruits of someone who is content. Those fruits, from Thomas Watson, are a silent (not complaining) spirit, a cheerful spirit, a thankful spirit, a contended spirit not bound by circumstances, and a contented spirit that will not avoid trouble by means of sin.Finally, the last paragraph of his book actually sums it all up very well. Raymond finished by writing, "Is [contentment] a lost art? Of course not. Contentment is gospel art, crafted by the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ's people. Ever since the garden of Eden the world ahs been discontent, and ever since then God has been pursuing people to make them content in him We have the privilege of not only knowing this but experiencing it first hand" (166). Amen.I recommend the book wholeheartedly. It wasn't amazing with abundant new thoughts or insights, but it was solidly gospel. I enjoyed it a lot.

Oh man! This is book has such rich truths in it. I love that this book is saturated with the gospel--whether it is describing how we get discontented (sin, failure to believe God's promises or His character)--or discontentment's remedy--knowing we don't deserve anything, but we've been granted everything through Jesus! He weaves pastoral experience and wisdom in the chapter "Be still and know" as he puts his arm around his reader and encourages them to see the sufficient one, God-who promises His love and presence, though everything else is stripped away. The scripture that has resonated with me after reading this book, and definitely this chapter is Hebrews 13:5 …”And be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He says, ”The reason you can truly be content in God is that you have this precious promise; he will not leave you. This reality did not come cheaply, Jesus Christ, our Savior and God’s Son, was forsaken upon the cross. He was abandoned in judgment so that you would never be. He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” so that you could say, “My God, my God, you have never forsaken me!” Contentment rooted in God’s presence is costly and therefore gloriously precious….” Amen brother!!Contentment rooted in God’s presence is costly and therefore gloriously precious! (pg 125) That quote would be one of those enlarged ones on a blog in a little rectangle if I was an editor.I like that he included "Be a faithful bride" as well. In a culture that is individualistic and admittedly entitled (me especially!), staying at a church when it's no longer "flashy and honey-moon-ish" is part of practicing that very faithfulness that God wants in us…and is hard to attain. In relationships, when the going gets tough, there’s always temptation to leave. I have learned so much from staying at our local church. Things that, you don't really learn--unless you experience true real life with people for years at a time. God has used faithful and true friends from our church to minister to me when I was brought low. People to speak truth into my life, people who were there to "Believe" for me, when it was hard to believe on my own--and pray for me, when my prayers were weak. People to say hard things, when I didn't want to hear them--but needed to hear them. Through our local church, He has provided me friends who have invited me out when I wanted to isolate myself [also mentioned in this chapter]. I've been pushed and encouraged "as iron sharpens iron" in real time, face to face ways. I have a friend who has taught me so much,- regarding stewardship of my body, patience with my children, practical things on homeschooling. This list goes on and on. One might find that the chapter “Be a faithful bride” would be surprising in this book on contentment, but the truth is, christians need true and real community. We were made to meet often, encourage one another, love one another…and all the other one anothers.Last thoughts. As I write this, I’m encouraged just by meditating on the deep, life and attitude transforming truths heralded in this book. I’m also reflecting on how unique and rare contentment is. And I think it’s because it’s a miraculous thing. Everyone wants it, and few have it. God grants contentment to us as we hold on to Him by faith. I love love this part when Erik recounts what happens to Paul and Silas in prison. After they are arrested, stripped, beaten, these guys were singing and praying. Raymond points out “and the prisoners were listening to them” Acts 16:24, and quips, “I bet they were.” No one does that! No one can do that, apart from knowing the gospel! Who rejoices when they’re beaten, humiliated, imprisoned? It makes me think of the verse in Phil 2, “ Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.” Singing and worshipping, despite hardship, is out of this world. Well, and honestly, in our kushy first-world-problem lives, it’s seems ironically, even more unattainable. And yet, as Christians, we are called to it—because Pauls seems to define children of God, shining as lights, as non grumblers! What should set christians apart from non believers, is our abundance of praise and paucity of discontentment! Ouch! What a kick in the pants, and yet a reminder to remember remember remember the gospel when we want to open our mouths and bemoan our lives to those around us. We have so much to be grateful for. “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:5-6 Indeed, we can “sing in the stocks as well as at the banquet feast”!Grateful for this little book, and all the thought and prayers and time and energy that went into it!

Discontentment is something I struggled with a lot in past recent years. Lately, I have been getting better at it but realize I am still extremely weak in contentment and need more guidance and knowledge on how to maintain it. That is why I decided to read Erik Raymond’s book on the less discussed topic.Raymond often uses Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson as references for his thoughts on contentment. These two men - who have written books on the subject - were also mentioned by Jim Berg in his book, Quieting a Noisy Soul. I read that earlier this year and I would like to recommend reading Berg's book around the same time you read this one as it corresponds well with many of the things Raymond discusses in this book.Through works of others and many Scriptural references, Raymond defines contentment and tells us some ways we can learn contentment. Being content is easier said than done – one really has to work at contentment, especially when faced with difficulties such as pain, loss, or injustice. There were many things in this book that inspired me yet overwhelmed me because some of the things God commands us to do are difficult (due to our sinful nature). However, Raymond supplies readers with an abundance of encouraging Scripture that gives us hope and strength to do God’s work.Since reading this, I have been training my mind to think more God-centered thoughts and perceive circumstances that come my way through my knowledge of who God is and what He does for us. I think everyone deals with discontentment at some point(s) in their life; I recommend this book to everyone as I hope it will also encourage them to have contentment, "the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in God's providence" (p. 23)

good book to digest and read, has a great trusting view towards God

This book helped keep me grounded during lockdown 2020. Thank you for encouraging your readers to rest content in The Lord.

This book is written in a very clear, biblical, and persuasive manner, reminding the readers the need to pursue contentment. Lots of practical applications included. Will benefit any person who desires to count the world as loss in order to enjoy their all in Christ.

not finished reading it yet but good so far