The Bible acknowledges the pain of unfulfilled longings. Many faithful ones have felt “yearning for a better place” (Hebrews 11:16, NWT). It can be difficult when our lives don’t match what we hoped for, especially when others seem to move forward while we feel stuck. Jehovah does not ask us to deny that pain — he keeps track of every tear (Psalm 56:8).

Contentment, however, is something that must be learned. The apostle Paul admitted: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11-13, NWT). The word translated “content” (arkeo) conveys the idea of having enough to keep going, to be adequate for the situation — not having every desire satisfied. It means trusting that Jehovah provides what is truly necessary for today.

True contentment is not about suppressing desires or settling for misery. It is about anchoring our peace of mind in Jehovah’s unchanging promise: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5). That assurance allows us to endure while we wait on better circumstances — whether small improvements now or the complete fulfillment of our desires in the new world to come.

So yearning itself is not wrong. But contentment grows when we shift our focus from what we lack to what cannot be taken from us: Jehovah’s loyal love and constant help.