When is enough actually enough?
We all want more and when we get “more” we often end up wanting “even more” and the cycle never ends. So in our ever pursuit of “more” we end up having too much stuff, in debt, unhappy and still wanting more! Have you been there before? You might be there right now as it’s never been easier to be discontent. First it was regular media telling us we need more, now it’s social media shouting it from the rooftops!
We live in a world where people are glued to their phones misled into thinking ‘likes’ are equivalent for a real relationship. Too often people compare their everyday lives with other peoples highlight reel and become embittered, jealous and discontent left wanting more. And if you haven’t noticed while you are busy wanting more you are actually giving away the one thing you really want and that is PEACE.
So in an effort to end this vicious cycle too many of us find ourselves in I’d like to bring it to light and share practical ways in which you can escape this life sucking behavior. Here are three keys to becoming content:
1. Trust God
I find it interesting that King David in the 23rd Psalm said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” It’s a famous psalm known by many but what is David really saying? He’s saying that when he trusts God’s leadership in his life he becomes content. Imagine not wanting in any area of life… Imagine being content at home, at work, in your finances, with your health, in your relationships – not wanting for anything! This is what David was saying and it all starts with trusting that God is good and that He knows how to take good care of his children.
I’ve found that the best ways for me to grow in trusting God are by thinking of His character, how He’s taken care of me over the years and how faithful He has always proved Himself to be. Being a parent also helps me to trust God: when I think of how much I love my kids and how I want the absolute best for them, I know the same is true with God being my Father. He knows us better than we know ourselves, He loves us more than anyone on earth and He knows what we need and when we need it. In Acts 17 the Apostle Paul talks about God establishing the time and location of our lives. God has you where he wants you, not so you’ll be unhappy and discontent but so that you would reach out to Him! He is not a God who is far away, He is a God who is near! Want to learn to be more content? Trust God more and ask Him to fill the void in your heart!
2. Don’t Compare
The fastest way to become depressed is to look at what everyone else has and is doing and compare it to what you have and are doing. Say for example you are connected to one hundred people on social media, many of them don’t post anything because they never post anything or because nothing is going on at that time worth posting. Then you will have a few people who might be venting or complaining and then maybe ten or fifteen people posting exciting things happening in their lives. So, what do you do? Well, if you’re like most people the temptation for you is to generalize and exaggerate by focusing on what “everybody” has or is doing and then think negatively about what you don’t have and aren’t doing.
It’s really a misconception! Behind the exciting posts, sweet stories and awesome pictures are broken people with real problems just like you and me. Don’t be deceived into comparing your everyday life with someones highlight reel. Just don’t be deceived into comparing period. Because whenever you do compare you either end up with a elevated sense of false confidence OR you end up jealous, unhappy, negative and depressed. Neither are a great place to be so simply avoid both by not comparing.
3. Stop Thinking and Start Thanking
When every commercial on TV and every billboard on the road tells you you’re missing out on what really makes life meaningful and exciting you can easily fall into the trap of thinking they are right. “If I only had ______ (fill in the blank) I would be happy.” It’s easy to get down and discouraged about certain things in your life and if you’re looking everywhere but up you are destined down that miserable and lonely road. Sure the car you’re driving may not be what you really want but when you stop looking around and start looking up you will find that your attitude quickly changes! Instead of getting down because of what you don’t have you start giving thanks for what you do have. And this changes everything!
Your thoughts go from negative to positive in a flash! Instead of being discontent with the vehicle you don’t have you start giving thanks for the transportation you do have. Instead of complaining about the friends you don’t have you start thanking God for the ones that you do have! Instead of worrying about the money you wish you had you start praising God for the money that you do have. Not only will you find yourself content, you will find yourself happy, blessed and grateful! Remember life isn’t about having what you love, it’s about loving what you have. Be grateful for the people in your life and the opportunities that you have – you really are more blessed than you think…
Let’s trust God, let’s stop comparing and let’s stop thinking and start thanking!
Blessings my friends,
John
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