A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment

After walking with Christ for more than four decades, I have come to believe that contentment may be the gold standard of genuine faith—the one great evidence that we truly believe God and that we possess a future hope. It has always been a wonder to me that there is so little discussion, preaching, and literature devoted to this topic, especially since we live in an age where this virtue seems so elusive. In writing A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment, Justin Miller has done a great service to the individual believer and the church collectively. This brief work is doctrinal in that we are told what contentment is, and it is practical in that we are told how to achieve it. I recommend this book for more than one reading. It should be read and read again until a sure and stable contentment takes root in the heart of the reader.

—Paul Washer
Missionary, Founder, and Director of HeartCry Missionary Society
Author of The Preeminent Christ 

 If contentment was a virtue that even the apostle Paul needed to learn (Phil. 4:11), then why should we be surprised that it is also a struggle for us to cultivate? Drawing from Scripture and a healthy dose of the English Puritans—particularly Jeremiah Burroughs—my good friend Justin Miller will guide you with pastoral tenderness into a lifestyle marked not only by resignation to God’s will but also delight in it. In our day of short-form content and even shorter attention spans, that “sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit” of which Burroughs speaks is at a higher premium than ever; in fact, every Christian should read this book. And as you do so, it is my prayer that Christ will teach you in His school of contentment.

—Dr. Joel R. Beeke
Chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Pastor at Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, MI
Author of How to Lead Your Family

 Every Christian is commanded to rejoice in the Lord, yet so often we struggle to do so. When we ought to be thankful for and content with His grace and goodness in our lives, we tend to become mired in pride, bitterness, thanklessness, and anxiety. To help shine a light on the Bible’s teaching on contentment, Justin Miller has written this encouraging treatment, A Life of Joy. Don’t be deceived by its brevity; this book packs a delightful punch, channeling the wisdom of Jeremiah Burroughs and the spiritual sensitivity of Jonathan Edwards. If you long to learn contentment, this book will be a welcome companion.

—Nate Pickowicz
Pastor at Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
Author of Overcoming the Darkness: Biblical Help for Spiritual Depression

In an age marked by anxiety, restlessness, and endless craving, A Life of Joy arrives as a needed remedy. We are told that nearly half of Americans live under frequent stress, with many overwhelmed by worry and dependent on medication to cope. Ours is a culture drowning in information yet starving for contentment. This book does more than offer relief—it delivers truth. Drawing deeply from Jeremiah Burroughs, Justin Miller brings forward rich, time-tested wisdom with clarity and force. Like a skilled surgeon, he doesn’t merely soothe the surface, but he puts his hand to the scalpel and carefully exposes the roots of discontent, guiding the reader toward lasting joy. This is not just a refreshing read—it is heavenly medicine for the troubled soul.

—Scott Brown
Director of Church and Family Life
Pastor at Hope Baptist Church in Wake Forest, NC

In A Life of Joy, Justin Miller presents a thorough biblical study of Christian contentment. By rooting joy in submission to the sovereign King and the means of grace, this book provides a dependable guide for practical godliness. It establishes the believer in the sufficiency and certainty of the Word of God. This examination of how the gospel fosters deep and enduring contentment in the Savior will be a blessing to many. May God increase the joy of His people through this volume!

—Dr. Sam Waldron
President of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary 
Pastor at Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY 
Author of A Man as Priest in His Home

 Contentment is crucial to a happy Christian life. It is the sweet fruit of trust in God. In the same vein as Jeremiah Burroughs, Pastor Justin Miller tackles this often-convicting subject with pastoral skill and biblical acumen. Justin’s work is practical, simple, and concise. A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment is a versatile little book, making it ideal as a counseling resource, a small group Bible study, or even family worship tool. Whatever the context, A Life of Joy will challenge and encourage you to live a life in sweet submission to a kind and loving Father.

—Dr. Brian Borgman
Pastor at Grace Community Church in Minden, NV 
Author of Don’t Waste Your Breath

—Dr. Tom Hicks
Pastor at First Baptist Church in Clinton, LA 
Author of What Is a Reformed Baptist?

This is the best book Justin Miller has written to date. He quotes John Flavel: “Those that now shine as stars in heaven have been trod under foot as dung on the earth.” And it’s clear that because Miller has been personally trampled, on this subject, he’s now providentially and exquisitely qualified to shine as an author. This is well worth the read. He’s gripped my heart.

—Mark Chanski
Coordinator of Reformed Baptist Network
Professor of Hermeneutics at Reformed Baptist Seminary
Author of Encouragement: Adrenaline for the Soul

Amid the confusions and frustrations of life in a fallen world, Christian contentment is a rare jewel indeed. With technical insight, pastoral concern, and personal warmth, Justin Miller bounces off the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs to explore the nature and the nurture, the trials and the triumphs, of true Christian contentment, helping God’s people to gleam with sweet and stable joy in the darkness of the present age.

—Jeremy Walker
Pastor at Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, England
Author of Life in Christ: Becoming and Being a Disciple of the Lord Jesus

 Here is a book with the potential of help that is far greater than its size might suggest. In A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment, Justin Miller brings us to the edge of that elusive Christian virtue: joy. Drawing on the insights of Jeremiah Burroughs, the author walks us through the biblical truths that form the foundation, atmosphere, and purpose of joy. We are guided between the common dangers of a self-centered pursuit of joy on one side and a stoic complacency masquerading as Christian contentment on the other. A Life of Joy will repay anyone who gives it a serious read!

—Dr. John Snyder
Pastor at Christ Church in New Albany, MS 
Author of Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically

 In an age marked by anxiety and dissatisfaction, this book reminds us that Christian joy is not a luxury but an essential expression of a life reconciled to God. With pastoral sensitivity and a solid grounding in Scripture, Justin Miller shows that contentment does not depend on circumstances, but on a growing trust in the wisdom and goodness of God. At the same time, he clearly exposes the obstacles that rob us of joy—pride, anxiety, and ingratitude—and calls us to confront them in the light of the gospel. In this work, Justin skillfully combines doctrinal depth with accessible simplicity, offering a robust theology with practical applications for the Christian life. It is my prayer that God would use this book to help us learn, along with Paul, to be content whatever our circumstances.

—Dr. Sugel Michelen
Pastor at Iglesia Bíblica del Señor Jesucristo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Author of From and Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching

Contentment is not a small, isolated Christian virtue with little bearing on the Christian life. Christian contentment is at the heart of the Christian life, delighting in God in every season of life. It is foundational in learning how to joyfully receive all things from God’s hand, whether prosperity or adversity (Eccl. 7:14). Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6). Dr. Miller, in this concise pastoral work, has beautifully expounded why and how contentment is great gain. If you want to learn how to have a content heart that is increasingly satisfied in God through Jesus Christ, then read this book.

—John Sweat
Professor at Reformed Baptist Seminary
Pastor at Heritage Reformed Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA

 Contentment is something all Christians want, many Christians claim, but very few understand. Dr. Miller has provided the church with great help in narrowing the gap between wanting true Christian contentment and actually obtaining it. This is not an academic book for scholars but a book written to encourage all believers. Dr. Miller is a humble and faithful pastor whose personal contentment has been tried, tested, and proven. His biblical wisdom and personal experiences are beautifully wedded together in this book and have left the aroma of Christ on its pages.

—Jason Gunter
Pastor at Cornerstone Reformed Baptist Church in West Plains, MO

—Mark Narankevicius Jr. 
Pastor at Darby Community Church in Dade City, FL

Sitting in a hospital room, awaiting results, slipping nearer toward discontentment and farther from resting in God's sovereign grace, I needed this book right when I read it! Short enough to get through but long enough for impact, Justin Miller writes for Christians who want to pursue that allusive aim of contentment—contentment that twins so beautifully with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6)! Miller is our tour guide, walking us through the theme of Burroughs’ classic Puritan work on Christian Contentment, but presenting it with freshness for us today. Miller is puritanesque in biblical thoroughness, professorial in prose, personal in application, preacher-like in exalting Christ, and pastoral in precision as a soul clinician (See especially Chapter 4 on hindrances!). My friend Justin Miller did his part to write this work, and now we get to have our souls nourished by reading it. I think you'll find it as apt as I did while sitting in that hospital room. Take up and read, A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment!

—Matt Watson
Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IN 

Contentment. Just saying the word makes you feel good. God’s plan for His glory is for contentment to be more than just a heart-warming emotion; it is meant to be a reality lived out in a world that can be so hard and confusing. My beloved friend, Justin Miller, in writing A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment, gives us clear biblical insights and applications for all who desire to live a life of joy and contentment in Christ for His glory. I know the Lord will use the pages and principles of this book not only to enrich, equip, and encourage your walk on the path of biblical contentment, but also to help you strengthen and disciple others. It gives me joy and gratitude to recommend this book to you.

—Kenny Qualls
Pastor at First Baptist Church in Arnold, MO