Be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5.
Have you ever slipped into an attitude of discontentment? Without even realizing it, you may become dissatisfied by dwelling on what you don't have rather than being grateful for what you do have.
Grumbling and griping are hallmarks of this lifestyle. When allowed free reign, discontentment can grow strong, stubborn, and hard to weed out. Simplicity, on the other hand, consistently and consciously can nourish contentment. When you are content, you are aware of God's many blessings and feel satisfied. God's abundance fills you up. You experience inner peace-and the simple life-as you rest in the assurance that God provides for every need.
For years, Andrea struggled with feeling discontent. When her children took on a similar attitude, replete with complaining and whining she knew she had to change. First, she asked God to forgive her for her own complaints. Then, trusting in his help, she worked hard to move from grumbling to gratefulness. Each time she said something that reflected discontentment, she restated it in a way that reflected contentment. Though it seemed a bit unnatural at first, it helped Andrea make the shift. Eventually, her children began to speak in terms of contentment, and experienced greater peace and restfulness as they focused on what was right-instead of what was wrong-in their lives.
To grow in contentment, grow in gratitude. Notice the Lord's blessings and thank him daily. Count the people: the parent who taught you to dream, the friend who makes you laugh, the neighbor who brings you a smile. Count the moments: a sip of steaming coffee, a child's good-bye kiss, a book that moves you. Count the familiar: the sky above, the ground beneath, the sun that warms, the rain that cools. Count the unfathomable: freedom and faith and God's unfailing love that goes on and on, just like your blessings. Thank him for each one.
As you do, you will nurture contentment like a well watered flower. A calm, restful sense of simplicity moves aside the dissatisfaction that once stirred up complaints.
Final Thought
Nourish a sense of contentment and simplicity by consciously thanking God for blessing you so richly.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.
You and I are to really learn to be content. We need to practice this as we would practice the scales on the piano.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Finding our security in Christ rather than in our own ability was painful and humbling. We began to learn the fine art of contentment. In our kitchen we now have a cherished plaque that reads, Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have..
"TERRY MEEUWSEN"
Contentment, an integral element of the simple life, thrives in an atmosphere of gratefulness.
__ God surrounds you with wonderful gifts. As you find delight in his many blessings, you will cease striving and find the simple life.
__ Contentment is an art, a decision, and an attitude one that causes simplicity to flourish.
__ Trust that God hears your heart's desire to grow in contentment. He's answering right now.
Choose one area where you feel dissatisfied and ask God to help you move toward contentment. Think of five things you love about your life and thank the Lord for them.
Practice contentment by catching yourself when you're complaining, making a conscious effort to change your dialogue.
Read the Bible and uplifting books that encourage a grateful attitude.
Create a gratitude journal by counting your blessings on paper. Write in it every day.
I look back on my life like a good day's work-it was done and I am satisfied with it. I was happy and contented; I knew nothing better and made the best out of what life offered.
“GRANDMA MOSES”
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