Last week we concluded our exploration of the keys to obtaining contentment. At the conclusion of that article, I said that I would present a method of examining all the issues set before you in life in a way to hopefully lessen worry and increase contentment. Before continuing grab a piece of paper and a pen. List on that paper the things in life you are currently worrying about. Leave a little room between each, as you will return shortly to make a few notes regarding each item you list.
Now that you have your worries listed out, we will go back and analysis each of them using the following prompts as a guide. Take each question one by one and execute the instructions given. The goal is to come to understand the nature of our worries and what can be done to address them.
- First, totally black out things that have not happened yet. Stop worrying about things that might happen. The ‘what ifs’ of life are never ending, and many individuals expend an immense amount of time and energy agonizing over things that may or may not come to pass.
- Place a star in front of any worry that if left unresolved will place your eternal soul in jeopardy.
a. These must be your highest priority to resolve as you work though the other prompts.
b. In most cases these are things that you can personally do something about as they generally relate to negative worldly habits an individual has developed. - Circle the items that you can personally do something about to remove or lessen the source of the worry.
a. Note next to the worry what you can personally do about it. (ex. Not enough money each month…Get an additional part-time job. Seek a better paying job. Get rid of unnecessary expenses.)
b. Personally doing something about it includes seeking help from necessary professionals to aid you; so, consider who you might need to connect with to help remove the source of your worry.
c. Make a plan on how you will pursue the things that you can personally do to lessen the worry.
d. Pray regularly that God will bless your efforts to do what you can personally do to lessen your worry. - Draw a single line thru the worries that there is absolutely nothing you can do to remove or lessen.
a. Write next to it, “Out of my control.”
b. Pray to God regularly that He will address the worry by either removing it or creating an opportunity that would allow you to be able to personally do something about it.
c. Leave it in God’s hand and trust that He will handle it according to what He knows to be best. Remember He sees what we cannot, He knows far more than we do. - Rest in peace, knowing that you have done all that you can about the worry and trust that God will handle what you cannot.
STOP WORRYING ABOUT
What has not happened
What you cannot fix
What you cannot control
Remember that nothing happens overnight, but as an individual practices contentment in their life and grows in the strength which Christ provides, they will gain power over the burdens and troubles of life. As you move forward in life continue to practice the mindset that leads to contentment, and you will one day find yourself there.
Next week we will move into the final section of our journey and seek to reach an understanding of what life is all about. That final section deals with life’s prize.
Carl Hartman is the Minister at Lockney’s Main Street Church of Christ
