I was preparing a large meal on my kitchen stove when I began complaining about it to my husband, Joe, and saying how difficult it made my work because of its poor design. I made my case so convincingly that the next time we were out, my husband suggested that we look at new stoves. As I wandered around the appliance department and inspected some new models, I was stunned when I realized that the stove I had at home was superior to the new ones in the store. As I prayed silently, asking the Lord for His guidance, He confirmed in my spirit that a new stove was not what I really needed, but I just needed to be satisfied with the one that I already had. Instantly, a sense of joy and contentment came over me, and I thanked God for preventing me from making a costly mistake.

The Scripture above admonishes us to “be satisfied with what [we] have,” because the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. When we focus on the things we don’t have, instead of being grateful for the things we do have, we will never be happy. But when we cultivate an attitude of gratitude and appreciation, we experience the contentment and joy that are our inheritance in Christ. An old adage says, “Happy is the man who wants what he has.” This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t ever want better things for ourselves. It just means that while we are waiting on the Lord for new opportunities, rewards, and blessings, we should make the most of those that He has already provided for us. And we should express our thanks for them.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT) One of my father’s favorite movies was an old film entitled, “You Can’t Take It with You.” The Lord greatly blessed my dad with all kinds of blessings during his life, including material ones, because he knew that things were only temporary, and that when he left this world, they weren’t going with him. This mindset helped him to live with a healthy sense of satisfaction that enabled him to enjoy his life on this earth.

Paul said: “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” (Philippians 4:11 NLT) When we adopt Paul’s godly attitude, we will experience a sense of satisfaction that will help us to appreciate all of the good in our lives, and that will enable us to enjoy every day on this earth!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times that I have taken my blessings for granted, instead of demonstrating an appreciation for them. Remind me often that the “things” in this life are only temporary, and that I will be leaving them behind when I leave this earth. Help me to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and to focus on all that I already have, instead of focusing on what I don’t have. Thank You that as I live with a sense of satisfaction and contentment, I will reap the rewards that only thankfulness can provide!