Have you ever stepped on a scale to check your weight only to find out you are heavier than what you realized? Wouldn’t it be nice if you took one leg off the scale and that would represent your true weight? Sometimes we seek the easiest and most convenient way to resolve our problems. If the desire is for a long-term solution, then we need to make use of our entire “body” and not do things halfway. Your latest efforts could’ve been focused on consuming less calories, exercising more and staying discipline in other ways. Yet the scale has revealed something that was unexpected. This particular situation could make a person feel somewhat defeated or unmotivated to continue striving for physical improvement. This same thought pattern could be in affect when looking at the journey taken by Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. Although the circumstances they were faced with were not advantageous for rebellion against the one that held them captive; they made a faithful pledge to God to prove whose authority was greater (Daniel 1:8-15). These young boys committed themselves completely and wholeheartedly for an everlasting solution and not one that would bring temporary relief.

Is there a situation you are facing at this moment that is causing you to wonder which direction to take? It is easy to roll over to the other side of the bed once the mattress begins to lean or drop down due to the wear and tear. But what side of life do we lean to when difficulties arise? Daniel and his friends chose to lean on God’s provision.

Now there are numerous ways to achieve peak physical fitness whether it’s through certain dietary practices, workout regimes, or just simply being disciplined with our body. Ultimately, we must remain steadfast and motivated to overcome what may be trying to weigh us down as we find our way in life (James 1:12). Obviously, there are many benefits to maintaining a healthy body through obedient health practices. But there are even greater benefits to be gained by staying disciplined and orderly…

                Peace of mind. This is such a valuable blessing to have in our daily walk through life. When our minds are cluttered with the negativity and self-condemning ways of the world it’s so hard to focus and enjoy our life.

                Joy to be around. It is great when we are a magnet of happiness and delight for others to draw from. When food spoils it transforms into something that smells and brings about an undesirable “product” that has no good purpose for man.

                Encourages others. There is no special skill or amount of money needed to simply have a positive disposition. Things are not going to always go the way we would like but how we respond to those unfavorable situations can inspire, motivate and give understanding to that watchful eye around us (there is always someone watching).

Be mindful that just because the mattress is starting to lean on one side it does not mean you are too heavy. It can be viewed as a time to either flip the mattress or simply roll over on the other side and get more use from it. As we continue to get usage out of something there will be wear and tear that occurs. However, there is still plenty of enjoyment that can be received from the very thing that may not have the original wrapping. Remember it is not necessary to allow feelings and conditions around us to “weigh” down our emotions and behaviors in the wrong way. So, be encouraged to know we can still enjoy what life has given us.

I have realized that my journey, just like Daniel and his friends, may require more sacrifice than that of others but the inner peace and joy that it brings is far more comforting to rest upon.