So much of what we do every single day is the result of habits that we have formed over time. And when it comes to establishing healthy, new patterns in our lives, I've found that spending time with God and acknowledging Him in all of our ways is one of the most important and rewarding habits we can ever develop (see Proverbs 3:6).
I have read that as much as 40 percent of everything we do is performed purely out of habit. A habit is something we do without even thinking. It's a behavior that is developed through frequent repetition. First we form habits…and then they form us. We are what we repeatedly do!
I'm sure everybody desires to have a good life. But what do most people consider the good life? Many go after a bigger house or car, a better paying job while others seek education, marriage or other achievements with great passion. And why…because many are convinced these are the things that will give them happiness, peace and fulfillment.
So, why do many people seek the "things" first? Many people's top priorities seem to be jobs, houses, cars or other material things. To seek means "to crave, pursue, to make sacrifices to get, to go after with all of your strength and all of your heart." It is a mistake to crave and pursue possessions, believing they will give us the lasting peace, joy and contentment that only come from God's presence in our lives.
Years ago, while I was praying one day for something I wanted, God spoke a life-changing truth to my heart. He said, "Joyce, seek My face and not My hand. If you seek My face, My hand will always be open."
Would you say you're happy with your life? Are you satisfied and content? If your answer is no, I have good news for you: You can learn how to be content – no matter where you are in life or what your circumstances may be.
Can you think of a time when you felt like, "What in the world is going on in my life? Why did that happen to me? When will I finally get what I've wanted for so long? Why, God, why? When, God, when?!" If you've been alive very long, you've probably had an experience like this at some point.
It seems there are very few people who are consistently content with life. It's more common to be up and down mentally and emotionally, depending on what our circumstances are. So I want to ask you: How content are you? Are you consistently enjoying your life?
Whenever people hurt or disappoint us, our human nature leads us to dislike them because of their shortcomings. But God's desire for us is to love all people, including our enemies (see Matthew 5:43-48).
Let's face it; humility isn't a very popular word. Yet, all throughout the Bible, the Lord instructs us about the benefits of being "humble-minded."
