Many Christians struggle with contentment. Difficulties at home, at work, at church, personal trials, financial ups and downs, and health issues seem to present insurmountable obstacles to them living lives of true joy. Yet, in this short paperback, Justin Miller shows that contentment is possible for every believer, no matter how difficult their life circumstances may be.

The heartbeat of A Life of Joy is Miller’s conviction that true and lasting satisfaction can only be found in Jesus Christ. That is why “contentment is only possible for the Christian”, since no-one and nothing else can provide joy and stability in all life’s changes and challenges (p.25).

In chapter one, Miller defines contentment as the ability “to joyfully submit to God in all of life” (p.38). He helpfully draws on Jeremiah Burroughs to provide a rich and full treatment of the nature of contentment. From the outset, contentment is firmly linked to a posture of humility before God: “Humility is the rich soil in which the plant of contentment grows well” (p.37).

In the proceeding chapters, Miller lays down the doctrinal basis for contentment and offers practical advice on how to cultivate an attitude of joyful submission to God. He writes from the perspective of a pastor who has grappled with these things personally. His approach is sensitive and pastoral, yet robust.

Contentment is founded upon God’s sovereign goodness and faithfulness to his people. The Christian can trust God in every circumstance, since he is working all things together for their ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). Nevertheless, in the midst of trials it is hard to take these truths to heart and to trust God. Our emotions and the world can readily convince us that our circumstance cannot be for our good, and we can easily become overwhelmed by bitterness, anxiety, and fear.

That is why Miller points the believer to the means of grace. The Word of God alone can shape our minds “to see God’s goodness and trust His Word while we suffer” (pp.45-46). Through the Scriptures, prayer, and worship, the Christian is enabled to view the world through the lens of biblical truth, not personal feelings or circumstances.

Moreover, in chapter four, Miller considers some of the common obstacles to contentment. He draws on his experience in the ministry to provide challenging examples of how worldliness, busyness, bitterness, and pride can draw Christians away from the means of grace and rob them of their joy in Christ. Even our service in the church can become “poisonous” to our contentment: “Service can turn sour if it is divorced from a love to Christ… Serving Christ without spending time with Christ leads us away from joyful submission to God” (pp.70-71).

Ultimately, as Miller concludes in his final chapter, our lives are all about Christ and his glory. If we abide in his love, we will live a life of joy! If we are united to him, we will joyfully submit to the Triune God in every circumstance, awaiting the day when Christ will return and make this world his own.

In sum, Miller’s A Life of Joy provides a concise and Scripture-centred guide to a life of Christian contentment. It is accessible, simple, and practical, yet also doctrinal. Most importantly of all, it points believers to their Saviour, Jesus Christ, as the only sure foundation and source of joy, for now and for eternity.