362 – I resolve to…Be Grateful

#faithbites #faithjourney grateful

This is our third entry in the I resolve series following anger management, finishing what you started, and now today, being grateful.

I was taking a shower this morning and the hot water ran out. This is a common occurrence in my house. We have a 30+ year old hot water heater that barely makes it through a nice hot shower. Anyway, while I was finishing up, I told myself I need to buy a new hot water heater. Then I went through all of the options in my head, including tankless, thought of how much it would be, then stopped myself. Do I need a new one or want one?

I should be grateful that everyday I can turn on clean water and take a warm shower. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, a family, a job. God has blessed me so much and I should be grateful. Yes, it would be nice to have all the fancy things, but I don’t need them.

Are you grateful for what you have?

Scripture

• But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:8
• Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17
• Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Reflection

I am not always a content person. Yesterday, I wrote about being tempted by shiny things and not finishing what I started. Not being content can lead to not being grateful for what we have.

We see in our verses that with food and clothing we should be content. Then we see that everything is perfect and good and from God. Finally, we should be content with what we have, not have a life of love of money, as Jesus will never leave or foresake us, he will provide.

I know Jesus isn’t going to come down and give me a new hot water heater. What I do know is that he has blessed us and when we need one, we will be able to get one. For now, the focus should be on giving and taking care of what we need, rather than what I want.

Charge

Are you content in your life? In the areas where you feel discontent, is it because God is pushing you to do something or are you confusing wants and needs? Take a minute to write down what you are feeling and why. Then pray on it. God will help you sort out your wants from needs as well as provide direction for your path.

Lord, help me be content with what I have. Give me strength to control my desire for things I want but don’t need. Let me know when the wants become a need and help me prioritize in all things.