Psalm 106:14-15

 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,

And tested God in the desert.

And He gave them their request,

But sent leanness into their soul.—Psalm 106:14-15

And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread."—Numbers 21:5

A contented person will wait on God and trust in His providence. Their joy is found in their God....it is independent of their circumstances.  They are satisfied with little and are focused on the needs of others.

The Israelites primary focus in prayer was on their physical comfort rather than spiritual desires.  

And He gave them their requests but sent leanness into their soul. Sometimes we “fret and fume” like children until we get what we want.  More often than not our getting what WE want brings more bitterness and grief because the “getting” brings more disappointment.  The Israelites became “fat” on the outside but starved from within because they were missing what would truly satisfy...God Himself.  I can’t really think of anything more dreadful than that. 

Beloved, our joy will be found in the our obedience to Christ...in doing the will of our Father in Heaven.  May His desires ALWAYS be our desires and when they are not may our prayer be that our would reveal that to us. May our own lives reflect the sacrificial, servant heart of Jesus who for the joy (us) set before Him endured the cross. 

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.—Galatians 2:20

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."—Matthew 16:24-28