July 19, 2012
Transformational Thought
So many times, the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, doesn’t it? In short, our stuff isn’t satisfying enough. We spend so much time and energy focusing on what others have, what we are missing, or both. We are mistaken to think that having what others have will bring satisfaction, happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort and uneasiness.
The tenth commandment is “thou shall not covet”. When God tells us not to covet what others have, He is also telling us to be content with what we do have. Being content really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. In other words, He is providing exactly what I need right at this moment … so my response should be to enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don’t need to whine or covet other things, because if they were what I really needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have certainly known ahead of time and provided it for me.
We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. But sometimes we pray and give thanks like we are on autopilot. Don’t be complacent in being thankful. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our minds and hearts who God really is, who we are, and the relationship that is really playing out in our everyday lives. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of deceit, believing God is always withholding the essentials we need for our joy.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don’t have? Do you get caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda to pursue your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how to steward them to maximize God’s glory and your spiritual growth? You have to decide, many times a day, what attitude and lenses you will use, because your actions will flow from the internal decisions you make.
You see, the first commandment, Thou shalt have no other God’s before me, is confirmed in the last. God is saying that you don’t have to covet anything, because when you make Him your God, you will experience all you need for joy and peace.
Today, know Your God as the Great Giver. Make lists of all that He has given you in all areas of your life … then take time throughout your day to pray short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find that giving thanks opens clear lines of communication between you and your Lord. You will also see Him as the loving and care-taking Father He really is. Determining who knows what your grass should be like is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father – You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the One who gave everything, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19