Live It Articles Putting the Scale in Its Place

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

Having been a First Place member for a few years, I know how discouraging it can be to have a gain at the scale. As a new First Place leader, I wanted to encourage the members of my new group when they faced the scale, and desired to give them proper perspective about what should be dictating their attitude.  When we step on the scale each week do we roll our eyes, groan, begin making excuses or justifications if the number on the scale is dissatisfactory to us?  Do we let that number on the scale affect our mood for the remainder of the day?? Is it affecting how we respond to our family members and coworkers? Are we letting the scale be the barometer for how well we have or haven't done the past week in our journey to give Christ first place in our lives?

This verse tell us that the Lord has done great things for us and that we are filled with joy. Why? Because He has done great things for us. We all can think of something great the Lord has done for us. Also, if we have been born again, our names are written in Heaven and that is a reason for joy any time we are facing discouragement.

We can always remember something from the previous week to fill us with joy. Did we keep one of the other nine commitments? Did we exercise? Did we do our bible lessons? Did we write in our prayer journal? Those are all reasons for joy, knowing we can consider our week successful because we focused on the Lord.  Don't lose your joy just because of the scale. Don't let the scale be the barometer for your success or failure. The scale is only one indicator of the week we've had.

PRAYER

Thank you Father that I can recall many wonderful things you have already done for me. Thank you that I can be filled with joy because I have a God that loves me in spite of what the scale says. Thank you that I can have a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart as I remember the great things you have already done for me and because I know there are many more great things you are going to do in my life.

Journal:  What are you using as a barometer of success or failure this week? Did you focus on the Lord more this week than you would have, were you not a First Place member? Was your week successful in terms of your commitment to your prayer journal? Spend time now, writing and thanking God that He is available to you whenever you call on Him.

PJ Bahr, First Place Leader

Rapid City, SD