Dissatisfaction

Dissatisfaction is when the focus of attention shifts from what we have to what we don't have and think we should have.

The Nature of Dissatisfaction

Dissatisfaction results in complaining, fault finding and negativeness. The Israelites forgot that God had set them free from Egyptian slavery and was leading them into their own land, providing manna to eat – but they wanted meat as well (Num 11:4-35). There were better things up ahead but they only saw the immediate and short-term deprivations.

Instead of thinking about unfilled desires and grumbling because of what you don't have, spend time enjoying and praising God for the blessings you do have. As believers, we have the resources of Christ (Eph 3:16-19). We may be envious of the unsaved who appear to have more, "Until I considered..." when things come into true perspective (Ps 73:17). "A man's life doesn't consist in the abundance of their possessions" rather their standing with God is the crucial issue (Lk 12:15). Don't continually seek new thrills or experiences for yourself, instead in maturity and contentment minister the love of Jesus to others, by being outward focused.

Shift the focus from self to others

Paul said, godliness with contentment is a great asset, God providing us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim 6:6,17). All our desires are to be in submission to Him, and we are not to desire what is not for our ultimate good or in agreement with His will.

Our thought life needs to come under the control of the Holy Spirit for the eyes of the natural man are never satisfied; lusting after more and better possessions and even different marriage partners when difficulties arise (Prov 27:20; Mt 5:27-28; 1 Jn 2:15).

A Righteous Dissatisfaction

We each have different God-given giftings; don't envy what another has, instead develop the ability He has given to fulfill your calling (1 Cor 12:1-31). Try to excel in whatever you do so this 'good' dissatisfaction will enable you to continually raise your level of expertise and effectiveness for His Kingdom. In our Christian walk, while grateful for our salvation and experience in Christ thus far keep pressing on into a deeper life and richer walk with Him, so don't settle for what you currently have – there is so much more available to us in Christ "there is yet much land to be taken" (Josh 13:1). This was the attitude of Paul who said, "Not that I have already obtained all this...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Phil 3:12).

This righteous dissatisfaction is not about discontent with God or His provision, but rather a holy hunger for more of Him and His purposes in our lives. It's the driving force that compels us to grow spiritually, to deepen our relationship with Christ, and to become more effective in serving Him. Jesus Himself demonstrated this forward momentum when He declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (Jn 4:34).

Unlike worldly dissatisfaction that focuses on material gain or personal comfort, righteous dissatisfaction involves a God-centered longing for spiritual advancement and kingdom impact. It recognises that we have not yet attained perfection but continues to pursue it with persistence and faith. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb 12:1). This spiritual race requires ongoing effort, discipline, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity in our walk with God.

Am I hungry for more of God

This positive form of dissatisfaction also manifests in our concern for the lost and our passion for seeing God's kingdom advance on earth. We should be dissatisfied with the status quo when it comes to reaching those who don't know Christ, always seeking more effective ways to share the gospel and make disciples. Paul expressed this burden when he wrote, "I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart" for his fellow Israelites who had not accepted Christ (Rom 9:2). This godly dissatisfaction should motivate us to prayer, evangelism, and active involvement in God's mission.

Ultimately, righteous dissatisfaction is balanced by gratitude and contentment in God's sovereignty. We can be fully satisfied with who Christ is and what He has done for us, while simultaneously hungering for more of His presence, power, and purposes to be manifested in and through our lives. This holy tension positions us for ongoing growth and fruitfulness in our Christian journey.

Reflection and Application:

Identify areas where you tend to focus on what you lack rather than what you have.
Choose to practice gratitude daily for God's blessings in your life.
Consider how you can shift your focus from self to serving others.
Reflect on how you can develop your God-given gifts rather than envying others.