A third key that I believe leads to contentment is simply this: doing the next right thing. It is difficult to be content if I don’t like who I am because of what I’m doing. If I can’t trust myself to make choices that are congruent with my values, I will feel guilt and fear – two thieves of contentment for sure!
We have a relationship with everything, including self. If your relationship with yourself is based on mistrust, how can you feel content? Do whatever it takes to build that trust in you. Begin with small steps. For example, if you want to trust your ability to say “No” when you need to, start by practicing with someone you don’t know well. Perhaps a respectful “No” to the next phone solicitor; it is easier to practice with people to whom we are less attached.
Also, if I am doing the next right thing, I serve others using my God-given gifts, by not ‘using’ others to gain approval. I do what I do because that is what God designed me to do, just like a bird flies south for the winter because that is programmed into its DNA. It has nothing to do with trying to prove my worth. Therefore, even if for some reason I can no longer work or do the things I enjoy doing, I still have contentment, because I know that these things do not define me, and I know in Whom my true worth lies. My ‘doing’ is simply one expression of my being.
You may find it helpful in your search for contentment to notice your answer to these two questions.
"How does what I do leave me feeling about myself? Do I trust myself more or less?"
And, “Why am I doing what I do? Is what I do an attempt to gain approval or is it an authentic expression of who I am?”
Please agree with me in prayer:
Lord, strengthen me to do the next right thing. I need your help to make guilt-free choices so I can trust myself. Lord, it is so tempting to take the easy way that brings fleeting happiness! Help me choose the path that leads to contentment. And, may my doing be an expression of who I am, and not an attempt to prove my worth, knowing that my true worth lies in You. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Until next time, do the next right thing! :-)
God Bless~Deb