Contentment = Peace and Rest

In the next few months my song Contentment from The Voice CD will be heard in 13,000 fitness clubs in 70 countries. It will be used for the cool down, deep breathing time at the end, following an intense one-hour workout with instructor and DVD.This inspired me to write down a few steps to help turn us from discontentment toward contentment:

• Think about things you don't have OR focus on giving thanks for things you do have
• Dream about goals that haven't happened OR take one positive step to make progress
• Worry about outcomes you can't control OR surrender outcomes and serve others well
• Be frustrated by what hasn't gone your way OR remember when things turned out okay
• Let fear and uncertainty cause inertia OR let faith and adventure move you forward
• Measure where you have less than others OR count life's blessings that are priceless

Contentment liner notes from The Voice CD: It is so easy for me to be discontent with my circumstances or to worry about the future, even though I know there is so much to be thankful for. I wrote this to slow down my mind from thinking anxious thoughts, and to focus on the things in life that are pure and lovely. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (1 Timothy 6:6, 6:7-8, Philippians 4:11)How can you learn to be more content today? What areas can you turn from discontentment toward contentment?