One element which probably doesn’t come to mind in terms of change is being content. It’s important because it helps you stay centered. If you are not content, you will have a rough time being mindful or present in the moment. If you’re not content in the moment, your mind will be elsewhere. If you feel you should be somewhere else, other than where you presently are, you’ll find discontentment knocking at your door along with its friend anxiety. Contentment is not the same thing as complacency. Complacent people are not mindful; they’re indifferent. Content people are able to focus in the moment and while embracing it, still having an eye for the future. Being mindful in the present actually makes for a better future. What you think, say and do now effects your tomorrow. Being discontent may actually impede your best future. Moreover, it removes you from gratitude.
Gratitude makes it easier to transition into change. Scripture clearly implores us to be thankful while warning us against murmuring and complaining. These two knuckleheads resist God and refuse His blessings. Being thankful connects us to praise and a life of worship. Should you ever find praise and gratitude difficult, because of circumstances, remember it is an honor to offer thanksgiving and praise. We could never love God, praise and worship Him, without His revealing Himself to us first. Clearly, we wouldn’t be alive without Him in the first place. Praise vacates discontentment, murmuring and the like. No praise, no change!
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Psalms 100:1-4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
