I truly believe that one of the key
ingredients to being truly happy is being content with what you
have and who you are. In our society it is also one of the most
difficult things to do, as people are taught to always want more
than what they have. It is very difficult to reach a point where
enough is enough. I think in our materialistic world it is
advertised to us that we need more to be really happy. If we have
this car we will be fulfilled, if we have this ring we will be so
happy, if we have this house we will live happily ever after, if we
have this cell phone or latest gadget people will look up to us.
And you know what, it is all a lie. The opposite is rather true,
you will find fulfillment with what you have if you are happy
within yourself.
Now I am not saying don't ever buy
something nice for yourself (I love shopping when I have a chance),
I'm not saying stop striving to be the best you can be. If you do
your best and you make money in the process then that is great. You
can use it to the blessing of all. All I am saying is that you
shouldn't find your happiness in things. Sure it is nice to drive a
new car, it does make you happy for a while, until the next model
comes out and you realize that yours isn't that nice anymore. Then
you immediately contact the car dealer for the latest model to make
you happy again. For a while, until the process repeats itself
again.
Trying to keep up with the Jones's
is tiring! There will always be someone richer than you, always
someone more beautiful, someone more successful etc. True peace
comes when we can accept this fact and be grateful for what we
have. You will find a load coming off your shoulders. You are okay
just as you are. I realized the other day how we can 'hurt' God, by
being ungrateful with the gifts He has given us. We are so quick to
tell Him that we actually wanted the gift He gave to someone else.
It is like a slap in the face. God deserves our heartfelt
gratitude, because He looks after us. He made you beautiful, He
made you brimming with talents, and He made you perfect for His
Kingdom. He is pleased with who you are and the time has come that
you be pleased too.
Take a piece of paper right now and
write down at least 5 things that you can be grateful for. I am
sure that once you get started, you will write down more than 5.
Now take this piece of paper and put it up somewhere even if it is
in the inside of you closet and thank God for those things every
day. Soon you will be adding things and the moment you feel the
spirit of envy creeping up on you, read those things out loud and
thank God for it. Have a Spirit of thanksgiving; the Lord will
smile at you. And you know what, before long you will be smiling
yourself!
"You will show me the way of
life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of
living with You forever." Psalm 16:11
Thank you Father for being a God of
more than enough. We apologize that we are not grateful as we
should be. You have blessed us with so much and we glorify Your
Name! Thank you very much! Amen