From time to time, I find myself dissatisfied with the things I possess and discontent with my current station in life. I find myself wanting something new…something different…something more! As I’ve reflected on these attitudes, I’ve seen that they are rooted in a lack of gratitude towards God’s provisions for my life, because the life that we live and the things that we possess are all gracious gifts to us from God’s sovereign hand. He doesn’t always give us what we want, but He always gives us what we need. So, to be discontent with the things that God has provided is an attitude that is rooted in arrogance and manifested in ungratefulness towards Him!
God’s Word is full of exhortations to give thanks, and these commands are not limited to thanking Him for just the good things. We are to thank Him for all things!…”always giving thanks for all things,” (Eph. 5:20),…”in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you,” (I Thess. 5:18). When we thank God for all that He has provided–for the good along with the difficult– we are trusting in His provision and resting in His providence. A grateful heart towards God is the door to joy and contentment, because we acknowledge and rest in His bountiful provisions. May I suggest that we spend much of our lives thanking God for who He is and for all that He has provided, and in so doing acknowledge His bountiful care for us and enjoy Him in every circumstance!