Your Daily Devotional for November 18, 2006

 

November 18, 2006

 

 

Giving Thanks: For What You Have

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

 

1 Timothy 6:7-10

 

 

I once heard the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked.

“Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman.

“Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?’” the rich man asked.

“What would I do with them?”

“You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.”

The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?”

“You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist.

“What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.

This fisherman is a good example to us of contentment. He was happy to have food and raiment.  He was pleased with his life, and he did not have a “just a little bit more” mentality. Our passage today teaches us that a life constantly consumed with making more money, having that better car or nicer house—a life lived in discontentment—will always come up empty. 

Friend, be thankful for what you have! Think about the fact that God has given you everything you have for a purpose! He hasn’t forgotten anything or left anything out. He has given you just what you need to accomplish His will in your life! Our verse today says, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”  Some people don’t even have food and raiment. I would say that we are very blessed!

 

During this week of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think on what you do have.  Take a moment right now to give a prayer of thanks to God, and make it specific.  Thank Him for your family.  Thank Him for your health.  Thank Him for the simple things we often take for granted in our day-to-day lives.  He loves you and delights in blessing you, and it delights Him to hear you thank Him.

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