Lately, I have been really enjoying Michelle Myers’ blog. She a woman who beautifully weaves together her faith and love for fitness into an encouraging blog. She has reminded me of how our spiritual and mental health can largely impact our ability to reach our physical fitness goals. What particularly stood out to me this week was this post on her instagram regarding the power of contentment (take note of her comment):
Following on from what you can see in her comment above, she says:
‘So today, no matter where you are – your strength to overcome your struggle will be unleashed when you decide to be content with where God has you NOW. Not 10 lbs. from now or a 6-pack away, but NOW. ‘
That thought brought me a lot of peace and I found myself thinking about how to actually find contentment in all situations, as Paul (the writer) says he did. In vs 12-13, Paul says:
Image via; quote via Philippians 4:12-13
Wouldn’t life be easier if you found the secret to being satisfied in ALL situations?
Can we really be content in all circumstances?
I think we can take encouragement from the fact that Paul says he learnt this skill. It’s not something we attain automatically. To learn something, it takes practice. Practice must be consistent, through the good and the bad of life, otherwise you will forget what you have learnt and revert to old habits.
What are some practical life points to gaining contentment?
- CHOOSE to be satisfied with where you are each day and what you have – This requires action on your behalf. No one else can make that choice for you (I have to remind myself often of this hard lesson). You must make the choice and the changes will follow with consistent practice at living out this choice.
- Stop comparing yourself to others – ‘we all have difference gifts according to the grace given to us’ (Romans 12:6), we aren’t all made the same and what a boring place the world would be if we were. Focus on using the gifts you have been given, rather than wishing you were different.
- give thanks in all circumstances (Psalm 106:1) – you can ALWAYS find something to be thankful for and it is a wonderful thing to be able to move your mind and heart to these things.
- Trust God’s promise to Strengthen his children in difficult times and that he has a GOOD plan for those who love him and have him as king of their lives (Romans 8:28)
- Look out for the interests of others and be generous (Phillipians 2: 3-4) – it is amazing how easy it is to forget your own problems when you look for how you can help someone else. Don’t forget about the opportunity you have to give to woman in poverty here as I walk 100km to raise funds for CARE Australia.
- Speak aloud truths to yourself – remind yourself aloud that you are content with what you have today and remind yourself that you are valued by friends, family and your heavenly father just the way you are. Physical change is great but they will not love you any more because of it!
What other tips do you have to find contentment? Do you also find it hard to be content in every situation?
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Amy Darcy
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