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So what’s the secret that the author of Philippians, Paul, learned that would allow him to be content in any circumstance?
I mean, for me, being content…STAYING content is a daily battle, sometimes an hourly battle. Some days I can barely stand to look in the mirror at the body that has changed dramatically since my wedding day. Other days I find myself wishing I had more money to buy things for my home. At times, I want to have the gifts that others do instead of the way God has gifted me. So, why is it that I fluctuate so much in this area? After giving this question some thought, I’m pretty sure I have the answer.
Gratitude.
Yep, I believe it’s really that simple. Oh, it may not be what Paul was thinking when he wrote what he wrote. But for me, it’s the very mindset that is the catalyst to contentment in my life.
On days when I wish I could buy something new for my home, I stop and realize that I have a home. There is devastation all over our world everyday and many would love to have the “little” that I have. On days when I wish I could drop an extra 10 pounds, I stop and remember that there are probably plenty of people who struggle with obesity who wouldn’t mind residing in my body for a while. On days when I wish my kids would give me some space, I remember that these days are fleeting and one day I’ll wish they were little again.
Today, you have a decision to make. I do, too. We can choose either to be content and grateful or we can choose not to. And we must choose before we are placed in a situation where we are comparing or complaining or wanting. During temptation is not the time to decide whether or not we are content.
Action Steps
Is there a particular area of your life where you don’t feel grateful? What is it that you think would help you be more grateful? Spend time in honest, open dialogue with God about these areas. He can handle it. Your lack of gratitude Is no secret to Him. From this day forward, begin each day naming ten people/things for which you are thankful. If ten is to small a number, do more!
I mean, for me, being content…STAYING content is a daily battle, sometimes an hourly battle. Some days I can barely stand to look in the mirror at the body that has changed dramatically since my wedding day. Other days I find myself wishing I had more money to buy things for my home. At times, I want to have the gifts that others do instead of the way God has gifted me. So, why is it that I fluctuate so much in this area? After giving this question some thought, I’m pretty sure I have the answer.
Gratitude.
Yep, I believe it’s really that simple. Oh, it may not be what Paul was thinking when he wrote what he wrote. But for me, it’s the very mindset that is the catalyst to contentment in my life.
On days when I wish I could buy something new for my home, I stop and realize that I have a home. There is devastation all over our world everyday and many would love to have the “little” that I have. On days when I wish I could drop an extra 10 pounds, I stop and remember that there are probably plenty of people who struggle with obesity who wouldn’t mind residing in my body for a while. On days when I wish my kids would give me some space, I remember that these days are fleeting and one day I’ll wish they were little again.
Today, you have a decision to make. I do, too. We can choose either to be content and grateful or we can choose not to. And we must choose before we are placed in a situation where we are comparing or complaining or wanting. During temptation is not the time to decide whether or not we are content.
Action Steps
Is there a particular area of your life where you don’t feel grateful? What is it that you think would help you be more grateful? Spend time in honest, open dialogue with God about these areas. He can handle it. Your lack of gratitude Is no secret to Him. From this day forward, begin each day naming ten people/things for which you are thankful. If ten is to small a number, do more!
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The word surrender doesn’t have very positive connotations in our society. It tends to be seen as a weakness. However, surrendering takes more strength than you can imagine. We don't need to carry shame, worry, ingratitude or fear around, we need to “give it up completely” as one of the definitions of surrender suggests. I believe that when we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Christ we will find the abundant life promised us in John 10:10. After all, God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him.
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