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How much control do you have over what you consume? From hours spent scrolling on social media to the number of items in your online shopping cart, it’s easy to lose focus and overindulge in the things you’re drawn to. However, consumption is something that can cost you your contentment if you’re not careful.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s no shame in a little retail therapy every now and then. But it is worth noting where you consistently spend your energy, your time, and your money. 

If you struggle with taking in too much of the things that aren’t the best for you, trust me, there’s no judgment here. I know what it’s like to become enamored with the shiny new thing, only to have buyer’s remorse as soon as I glance at my bank account. Thankfully, I’ve found a few practices that help me when I need to break up with the endless cycle of consumption, and I want to share them with you, because you deserve peace, too.

 

Identify the root of your consumption

When you find yourself constantly consumed by something, it won’t take long for things to go awry. It may not happen immediately, but over time, you’ll find yourself wondering how you let go of the reins. Instead of shaming yourself for being consumed by the wrong things, use this as an opportunity to get curious about why your resources are constantly being drained. Are you trying to fill a void of loneliness, sadness, or depression? Spend some time thinking through your habits and how you can replace excessive ones with healthy ones.

Choose contentment over consumption

How often do you find yourself dissatisfied with your life? Sometimes, it’s the result of feeling like you need to buy that new car because someone you know just bought it. Other times, it may be an ad for that item you just had to add to your Amazon cart. It might even show up as a subscription to a streaming service that features a show you’ve been wanting to watch. All of those things are harmless on their own, but what happens when you become discontent with your own life? Even if it feels like life would be incomplete without the thing that’s consuming you, when you have gratitude for what you already have and choose to focus on the good in your life (even if you have to dig real deep to find it), you can begin to see God’s provision for your life.

Redirect your resources

If you find yourself stuck in the consumption cycle, use it as a chance to reevaluate why you do what you do and course correct.

Instead of pouring resources into:

  • Keeping up with the Joneses on social media
  • Ordering take-out every night of the week
  • Binge-watching your favorite show for hours on end

You Can:

  • See the goodness in your own life
  • Prepare healthy meals at home
  • Spend time reading God’s word

If your choices are connected to an unfulfilled need, it’s time to check in with the One who can supply all of your needs. And, of course, one, two, or more people who can help you stay on track and remind you of the good in your own life. 

Here’s to guarding your heart, protecting your time, and being a good steward of your resources!

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Paying attention to patterns
  • Redirecting limited resources
  • Focusing on what matters most

Related Resources

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. Where do you find yourself devoting too much of your time, energy, and money?
  2. What positive habits can you begin to replace your excessive habits with?
  3. How can you practice gratitude each day?

 

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