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Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age
We tend to think being “stressed out” is a normal state of affairs, and that contentment means sitting back and just bottling things up. For the Christian, however, contentment is something we must apply, work at, and make our own in every circumstance, because anxiety and frustration are not neutral behaviors.
It is certainly easier to just go with our natural impulses when times are “annoying” or when times are very hard, but contentment is an important part of our Christian life. Even the apostle Paul had to “learn” contentment. So we shouldn’t wonder why we’re still in spiritual kindergarten—repeating the same lessons over and over again—if we haven’t given ourselves to study contentment.
Thankfully, every test God gives on contentment is open book (even the pop quizzes!). In Learning Contentment, Nancy Wilson looks to the Bible and Puritans like Burroughs, Rutherford, Watson, and Spurgeon to help us develop the practical, spiritual strength and the perspective that comes from contentment’s deep satisfaction with the will of God.
This encouraging little book includes concise explanations, application questions and assignments that will involve and challenge everyone, and lots of biblical wisdom for individuals and groups.
It is certainly easier to just go with our natural impulses when times are “annoying” or when times are very hard, but contentment is an important part of our Christian life. Even the apostle Paul had to “learn” contentment. So we shouldn’t wonder why we’re still in spiritual kindergarten—repeating the same lessons over and over again—if we haven’t given ourselves to study contentment.
Thankfully, every test God gives on contentment is open book (even the pop quizzes!). In Learning Contentment, Nancy Wilson looks to the Bible and Puritans like Burroughs, Rutherford, Watson, and Spurgeon to help us develop the practical, spiritual strength and the perspective that comes from contentment’s deep satisfaction with the will of God.
This encouraging little book includes concise explanations, application questions and assignments that will involve and challenge everyone, and lots of biblical wisdom for individuals and groups.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2017
478 people are currently reading
2289 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Wilson
20 books285 followersNancy Wilson (née Greensides) is the wife of Pastor Douglas Wilson, mother of N.D. Wilson, Rebekah Merkle, and Rachel Jankovic, and grandmother of seventeen who are (as yet) unpublished. She lives in northern Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
September 6, 2022
My sin did not enjoy this content.
November 28, 2018
***Even better the second time through while meeting with friends to discuss a chapter every other week. Many of them pronounced the book "life-changing."***
I loved this book. I took my sweet time digesting it and found it to be very "settling". I want to read it again to discuss with a group of young women from church and I literally contacted the publisher about buying a case of the books to pass out to friends.
I was especially struck by the chapter regarding choosing contentment in the midst of grief. There are a variety of situations in my life right now that are pointing me to the Lord as the one source of contentment, joy, fulfillment, and peace. I started this book thinking if it was good, I could use it to help someone in whom I could see discontent; not far into it, I recognized my own discontent. I am very thankful to have read it.
"We had to coin the term 'stressed out' to describe this common condition of a disordered heart" (ix).
"Contentment is a deep satisfaction with the will of God" (xiii). "Discontent is fertile ground for planting unlawful desires" (2). "Discontent is ingratitude. . .a prideful attitude of the heart. . .says we deserve better" (21). "Contentment gives us the eyes to see clearly who we really are and where we are in God's story. . .discontent is the result of looking for satisfaction in the wrong things" (56).
"Worry borrows potential troubles without the accompanying grace to steward them" (44).
"We can trust him in every situation and circumstance" (63). "Contentment looks to our duties in this present circumstance. . .Find your duties and go forward in obedience and faith" (54). "Contentment makes the most of our circumstances now. . .rather than postponing contentment until our circumstances match our desires" (77).
"A godly grief does not turn inward. It continues to look up to God and out to its neighbors. . .But an ungodly, discontented grief shuts people out, has no grace to extend, and can quickly grow into discontent, bitterness, and self-pity. It refuses comfort" (92). "Discontent is, at the bottom, a surly attitude toward God, blaming Him instead of thanking Him. It is a refusal to submit to, thank, or honor Him. Discontent refuses comfort. . .says 'But you don't know what it is like. You don't understand. Leave me alone'" (97).
"We are to look away from the trouble, away from ourselves, and to the Lord" (97).
I loved this book. I took my sweet time digesting it and found it to be very "settling". I want to read it again to discuss with a group of young women from church and I literally contacted the publisher about buying a case of the books to pass out to friends.
I was especially struck by the chapter regarding choosing contentment in the midst of grief. There are a variety of situations in my life right now that are pointing me to the Lord as the one source of contentment, joy, fulfillment, and peace. I started this book thinking if it was good, I could use it to help someone in whom I could see discontent; not far into it, I recognized my own discontent. I am very thankful to have read it.
"We had to coin the term 'stressed out' to describe this common condition of a disordered heart" (ix).
"Contentment is a deep satisfaction with the will of God" (xiii). "Discontent is fertile ground for planting unlawful desires" (2). "Discontent is ingratitude. . .a prideful attitude of the heart. . .says we deserve better" (21). "Contentment gives us the eyes to see clearly who we really are and where we are in God's story. . .discontent is the result of looking for satisfaction in the wrong things" (56).
"Worry borrows potential troubles without the accompanying grace to steward them" (44).
"We can trust him in every situation and circumstance" (63). "Contentment looks to our duties in this present circumstance. . .Find your duties and go forward in obedience and faith" (54). "Contentment makes the most of our circumstances now. . .rather than postponing contentment until our circumstances match our desires" (77).
"A godly grief does not turn inward. It continues to look up to God and out to its neighbors. . .But an ungodly, discontented grief shuts people out, has no grace to extend, and can quickly grow into discontent, bitterness, and self-pity. It refuses comfort" (92). "Discontent is, at the bottom, a surly attitude toward God, blaming Him instead of thanking Him. It is a refusal to submit to, thank, or honor Him. Discontent refuses comfort. . .says 'But you don't know what it is like. You don't understand. Leave me alone'" (97).
"We are to look away from the trouble, away from ourselves, and to the Lord" (97).
February 21, 2019
This book is another must read for christian women.
March 11, 2018
I really, really liked this book. A lot. It's straightforward and honest and shoves your 'tude in your face. We need that. Or, I did. This book, combined with a lot of other stuff I've been reading and learning lately has helped me see a lot of discontent and frustration in my life, even in little things. "Road rage," grumpy mornings, etc. It was good.
I would have liked her to talk about idolatry a bit more. When we seek contentment in anything but Christ that is a form of idolatry, and she never really mentioned that. Not that she necessarily needed the extra oomph, but I thought it a lot while I was reading and it would have been cool to read it.
But yeah, wow, I recommend this book to everyone. It's "for ladies" but really, everyone needs this. Everyone has 'tude and we need to realize it's dumb. And often, a sin. She also had some practical application stuff (though really though whole book was pretty practical) at the end.
Fave quotes:
"Discontent is ugly and it uglifies."
"Troubles and trials do not bounce off us as though we are made out of wood. We are human beings, made in the image of God, so we grieve. This is not wrong. It would be a red flag if we didn't grieve or didn't register pain when we meet with a serious loss. We are not stoics, we are Christians."
"Trusting God in the little trials prepares us for the big ones."
Side note: it made me think of Little Prince and Five Little Peppers as fictional examples of content and discontent. Happy reminders.
I would have liked her to talk about idolatry a bit more. When we seek contentment in anything but Christ that is a form of idolatry, and she never really mentioned that. Not that she necessarily needed the extra oomph, but I thought it a lot while I was reading and it would have been cool to read it.
But yeah, wow, I recommend this book to everyone. It's "for ladies" but really, everyone needs this. Everyone has 'tude and we need to realize it's dumb. And often, a sin. She also had some practical application stuff (though really though whole book was pretty practical) at the end.
Fave quotes:
"Discontent is ugly and it uglifies."
"Troubles and trials do not bounce off us as though we are made out of wood. We are human beings, made in the image of God, so we grieve. This is not wrong. It would be a red flag if we didn't grieve or didn't register pain when we meet with a serious loss. We are not stoics, we are Christians."
"Trusting God in the little trials prepares us for the big ones."
Side note: it made me think of Little Prince and Five Little Peppers as fictional examples of content and discontent. Happy reminders.
May 15, 2017
I read this in one day and will reread it. Not just for the wife. I found my wife's copy and saw myself as I read Nancy 's clear writing about contentment. Very very good, gentlemen.
April 11, 2017
New seasons always bring new challenges and new trials, and the school of contentment is always awaiting us. I am grateful for solid books like this one that remind us of His promises, our hope in Christ, and our calling.
August 6, 2023
So good! Really quick read. It digs deep in a way that leaves you refreshed in Christ & ready to shed anything that keeps you from finding contentment in Him. I want to read it again already!
“One of the central ways we can resist mental temptations, including the temptation to be discontent, is to pay attention to what we are thinking about….Setting your mind on things above (Col. 3:2) literally means picking your thoughts up and moving them elsewhere. How do you begin to do this? First you have to tune in. What are you listening to all day? What are you listening to when you go to bed, when you rise up, when you hop into the shower, when you drive across town? You may be surprised to notice how much fault-finding, reviewing of hurts and wrongs, wishing for things you don’t have, dissatisfaction, and complaining are going on….If you want to change your thought patterns you must practice thinking about things that are ‘praiseworthy’ and root out the things that are not.”
“One of the central ways we can resist mental temptations, including the temptation to be discontent, is to pay attention to what we are thinking about….Setting your mind on things above (Col. 3:2) literally means picking your thoughts up and moving them elsewhere. How do you begin to do this? First you have to tune in. What are you listening to all day? What are you listening to when you go to bed, when you rise up, when you hop into the shower, when you drive across town? You may be surprised to notice how much fault-finding, reviewing of hurts and wrongs, wishing for things you don’t have, dissatisfaction, and complaining are going on….If you want to change your thought patterns you must practice thinking about things that are ‘praiseworthy’ and root out the things that are not.”
April 20, 2019
Fantastic! Nancy has learned contentment from the Bible, from the Puritans, and from her won experience. In this short book she exhorts us to live in gratitude and contentment and encourages us to pursue it all areas of our lives. As in her other books, Mrs. Wilson writes again to the heart and with the Bible in hand.
The audio book was really good too. In just two and a half hours you can listen to it.
The audio book was really good too. In just two and a half hours you can listen to it.
May 4, 2021
Read on Kindle first in November 2017. Read again on paper in March 2019 with a pencil poised above every page. I love everything that Mrs. Wilson writes, but this is by far her best book yet. I know that I will re-read it for the rest of my life.
November 29, 2023
2023: still 10/10 READ IT
2021: The gentle but swift spiritual kick in the pants I believe every Christian woman needs!
Nancy is both convicting and so encouraging. She equips the female believer not to be enslaved by fickle emotions but be freed to live by the Truth of Christ.
2021: The gentle but swift spiritual kick in the pants I believe every Christian woman needs!
Nancy is both convicting and so encouraging. She equips the female believer not to be enslaved by fickle emotions but be freed to live by the Truth of Christ.
April 10, 2024
So so good. Really helps challenge your daily perspective on life. Nancy is full of wisdom. I loved her dumpster diving analogy. It was so full of rich application I went through the book twice! Every woman needs to read this.
August 9, 2018
A read I needed. Wonderful, convicting words to help keep the heart and mind focused where it needs to be.
March 5, 2023
Esse livro me surpreendeu!! Um livro pequeno , mas de grande conteúdo. Acredito que todos cristão deveriam lê-lo. Precisamos entender que o descontentamento é raiz de todos os pecados.
September 27, 2022
September 2022 — A quick relisten before a church ladies book discussion tomorrow evening. Since the last time I listened, I finally got into the swing of the Puritans and have read most of the books Nancy recommends here. I think I like their books better, but I still like Nancy herself best. 😉 I liked the reader better this time around. Guess she grew on me!
*****
April 2019 — Finally finished to this again (book group discussion tonight) and can report that it is full of Nancy's usual good sense. While the reader had a lovely and pleasant voice, I don't think it was quite the right one for this book. (And there is no ch sound in covetous.)
*****
January 2019 —The good news is, having listened to this on my sickbed in a not-entirely-conscious state, I'll have a perfectly cromulent excuse for listening to it again soon. The bad news is, having listened to this on my sickbed in a not-entirely-conscious state, I cannot yet write anything intelligent about it. 😉 So...rating and review to come at some future date!
*****
April 2019 — Finally finished to this again (book group discussion tonight) and can report that it is full of Nancy's usual good sense. While the reader had a lovely and pleasant voice, I don't think it was quite the right one for this book. (And there is no ch sound in covetous.)
*****
January 2019 —The good news is, having listened to this on my sickbed in a not-entirely-conscious state, I'll have a perfectly cromulent excuse for listening to it again soon. The bad news is, having listened to this on my sickbed in a not-entirely-conscious state, I cannot yet write anything intelligent about it. 😉 So...rating and review to come at some future date!
March 19, 2018
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
The cover on this book was the first thing to draw me.
The chapters are short (less then 5 minutes to read). There is also questions at the end of each chapter. This would make an excellent book for a mentoring relationship as well as personal devotions.
I read this on #kindleunlimited.
Quotes:
“We often think contentment is something that happens to us, rather than something that we take pains to learn.”
“The more we hear ourselves grumble and complain, the more we take it to heart and believe our own words.”
“When we refuse to obey God, when we are driven by our own desires, it is no surprise that rest and contentment elude us. When we follow Christ in obedience and humility, we find rest for our souls.”
The cover on this book was the first thing to draw me.
The chapters are short (less then 5 minutes to read). There is also questions at the end of each chapter. This would make an excellent book for a mentoring relationship as well as personal devotions.
I read this on #kindleunlimited.
Quotes:
“We often think contentment is something that happens to us, rather than something that we take pains to learn.”
“The more we hear ourselves grumble and complain, the more we take it to heart and believe our own words.”
“When we refuse to obey God, when we are driven by our own desires, it is no surprise that rest and contentment elude us. When we follow Christ in obedience and humility, we find rest for our souls.”
September 4, 2018
Wonderful reminders from God’s word on contentment! Also appreciated the reflective questions at the end of each chapter. It was very easy to read, but packed with wisdom!
May 25, 2019
Livro sensacional! Li devagar, meditando em cada ponto. Um grande aprendizado, vamos à práxis.
February 1, 2025
This was refreshing, convicting, and practical. I appreciate the straightforward, Wilson tone. This was a helpful encouragement as I’m seeking to cultivate a contented, grateful heart and home. I have so much room to grow but I am so thankful for how much the Lord has taught me thus. I’m grateful for different resources like this and people to remind me of the importance of gratitude.
August 3, 2020
Tão fininho quanto grandioso! Impossível amadurecer sem ser matriculado na escola do contentamento. Difícil foi não grifar todo rs. Só leiam!
February 29, 2024
Lovely book. Perfect combination of kick-in-the-pants conviction and gracious guidance.
August 15, 2017
Exceptional. If I could, I'd give it 10 stars.
The book is relatively short so I don't feel I need to offer too much in way of review. In regards to style, I very much appreciate Mrs. Wilson's minimal use of personal examples. She kept the book focused on the ideas and Scripture. She told only one story (which was about her marriage - an anecdote I found especially beneficial), and only made one brief reference to a woman she knew. I have often found the examples given in books such as this to be a distraction, but Mrs. Wilson kept it very much on focus.
This is a timely book for the modern Christian woman. Anxiety and stress are rampant in our lives, yet we don't address the sin that is associated. It is almost as if we treat being "stressed out" as a badge of honor. Mrs. Wilson quickly denounces that idea. As Mrs. Wilson also said, we overlook envy because it is our 'pet sin'. She also addressed lust that women are so prone to practice, while thinking that lust is something only men battle.
I am purchasing several additional copies to give as I fellowship with women. The first half or so of the book perfectly detailed the journey of repentance of anxiety and discontent I have walked. Please don't think that's to say I am perfect. But by the grace of God, there go I. But at the same time, it was absolutely encouraging to read Mrs. Wilson so eloquently put to words the thoughts of my heart. The second half-ish of the book challenged me to a new level, which is both exciting and humbling.
In addition, I found the chapter on grieving to be of immense worth. This is a topic that seems to be neglacted in the fellowship of women until after the fact, in which it is often addressed with bitterness rather than godly grief.
The book is relatively short so I don't feel I need to offer too much in way of review. In regards to style, I very much appreciate Mrs. Wilson's minimal use of personal examples. She kept the book focused on the ideas and Scripture. She told only one story (which was about her marriage - an anecdote I found especially beneficial), and only made one brief reference to a woman she knew. I have often found the examples given in books such as this to be a distraction, but Mrs. Wilson kept it very much on focus.
This is a timely book for the modern Christian woman. Anxiety and stress are rampant in our lives, yet we don't address the sin that is associated. It is almost as if we treat being "stressed out" as a badge of honor. Mrs. Wilson quickly denounces that idea. As Mrs. Wilson also said, we overlook envy because it is our 'pet sin'. She also addressed lust that women are so prone to practice, while thinking that lust is something only men battle.
I am purchasing several additional copies to give as I fellowship with women. The first half or so of the book perfectly detailed the journey of repentance of anxiety and discontent I have walked. Please don't think that's to say I am perfect. But by the grace of God, there go I. But at the same time, it was absolutely encouraging to read Mrs. Wilson so eloquently put to words the thoughts of my heart. The second half-ish of the book challenged me to a new level, which is both exciting and humbling.
In addition, I found the chapter on grieving to be of immense worth. This is a topic that seems to be neglacted in the fellowship of women until after the fact, in which it is often addressed with bitterness rather than godly grief.
September 26, 2018
Wow! What a book. Wilson gives biblically sound advice in a clear and concise way that isn't afraid to step on your toes when necessary. I found this book like a breath of fresh air after my last several Christian based books. Wilson doesn't aim to make you laugh or focus on herself. She provides solid scriptural advice for how to find contentment. I can't even begin to put my favorite quotes from the book here, there were just too many. This will be a book that I revisit again soon, I am sure.
June 3, 2018
Blessed, encouraged and challenged by this book. Read it in under two hours, and plan to re-read it often. Would recommend to every Christian woman. Excellent truths about and practical applications of the 10th commandment.
August 4, 2018
Practical, convicting, and applicable. This is a must-read for every Christian, not just every Christian woman as an unblinking look at dissatisfaction as a sin which must be battled, and satisfaction as a joy and fruit which must be learned and cultivated.
April 11, 2020
It is a pratical discipline that every women must learn for her every day happiness and God's Glory. Contentment must be our lifestyle as Christian woman. This Book teaches us deeply but with simplicity and clarity.
December 1, 2021
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was at the same time so lovely and like a sucker punch of conviction. But I suppose that’s what God’s truth is. Beautiful and unrelenting. I have so much to learn from Nancy Wilson.
June 15, 2017
Very, very good that I'll want to re-read periodically
June 17, 2018
Never read a bad Nancy Wilson book
January 7, 2019
Audio book on the way
April 16, 2020
A beautiful book that strengthens the soul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews