Have you ever found yourself wanting more, even when you clearly don’t need something? For example, we know a young woman who racked up a bunch of credit card debt shopping for shoes; at one point, she had nearly 100 pair! This woman said that whenever she would get stressed out or felt discontented, she went to the shopping mall to buy shoes.

Another person I know would verbally tear down their spouse when they felt unhappy, frustrated, or like they didn’t measure up. This made both of them feel terrible.

At the root of both of these problems is discontentment, or a lack of peace. Experiencing God’s peace in our hearts is the solution for discontentment. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “Give thanks in all circumstances” – and this is one way to remain content and at peace. Here’s what I mean: when we focus on the blessings God has given to us, on all that we have, we are less likely to want more. When we focus on who God is and we remember that “God is for us,” we are far less likely to rely on something flimsy, like shoes, for our gratification.

So, you may be feeling discontented today – but take heart! Turn to Jesus. Thank Him for the blessings in your life, and make Him your source of peace. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”   This is Luis Palau.