Spring is one of my favorite times of year. With the outdoor activities, beautiful trees and flowers in bloom—and the opportunity to celebrate our Risen Savior Jesus each Easter—I just love the Spring!

It is such a hopeful and optimistic time. Yet recent public opinion research indicates that the average person is living in what could be called “winter of discontent,” to borrow a phrase from Shakespeare.

According to a new Gallup poll, “the American public is largely dissatisfied with the way things are going in the U.S…. and they are now slightly less satisfied with their overall personal life than they were in the few years before.”

Beyond the poll numbers, I talk to more people of all ages— people I know who used to be generally cheerful or easy to please—and they are continually grumbling and grumpy.

Certainly some of this unhappiness can be understood and attributed to the challenging state of the economy, of politics and the overall moral decay in society today. Likewise, social media has given a louder voice to people voicing their dissatisfaction.

If we are not careful, Christians also can lapse into to this state of discontent, as well. Satan comes along and makes us wish for what we don’t have and tempts us to wish away what we do have.

We think things like, “If I only had that job, not this job I have, then I’d finally be happy.” Or, “If my relationships were more like what my neighbor has, then I’d be happy.” Or, “If only this problem in my life would change, then I would finally be satisfied.”

C.S. Lewis said, “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.” Ultimately, in this life we will

struggle, and our hope, help and contentment has to come from the Lord.

The Apostle Paul put it this way, “… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 things through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:11-13).

When we are thankful amid all circum- stances, it brings God glory. The unbelievers in the world would sit up and take note if Christians are content people.

In order to see the “winter of discontent” give way to springtime, it will take each one of us looking to the Lord each day. Corrie Ten Boom, who lived in extraordinarily difficult circumstances and times said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.”

Today, let the joy of the Lord spring up in your heart.