“I know I can live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” -Philippians 4:12 (NLT)
One of the most difficult things for people to do today is be content. Our society makes it difficult with all the materialism surrounding us. Bigger cars, faster boats, bigger homes, better vacations…it is all consuming making us want more and be satisfied less. It even worsens in the midst of adversity. We have all faced it at one time or the other. I have been in pretty bad situations in my life. In the face of tragedies I had to come to the place of learning to be content and experiencing true peace. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. It is very hard not to focus on the bad and wonder, “Why me?” Learning to be content doesn’t mean being complacent.
Complacency is dangerous and leads to procrastination and laziness in life. Contentment on the other hand means to be at peace with who you are and where you are today always giving thanks where it is due. The Apostle Paul wrote about his learning to be content in today’s verse while in prison. You know there were places he would rather be! To be at peace with yourself and your surroundings you must be at peace with God. Your faith is evidenced by love, the love you accept and the love you give away and true love is evidenced by peace. Accepting God’s unconditional love for you as a gift may seem awkward at first but it is the greatest and most fulfilling peace you will ever experience. Having peace in your life doesn’t mean everything will be peachy but it does mean being at peace with yourself. Books are written about it, movies produced about it and many so-called “Life Coaches” are telling others they have the sugarcoated answer to happiness. Peace is a gift. Receiving that gift takes accepting that you are special and loved beyond measure by the creator of the universe.
Reshape Moment:
Find self-worth in God’s unconditional love for you, not your accomplishments. Reshape your faith by learning to accept the gift of grace rather than trying to earn it. That is the secret and only way to have true peace and contentment in your life.
About the author
Dr. Dallas Humble is a healthcare provider, business owner, professional consultant, author and founder of The Reshape Institute. Dr. Humble consults with individuals and organizations across the country to improve productivity, identify & mitigate injuries and promote wellness. For more information visit www.dallashumble.com.
