I have a lot to be thankful for.
I have a family who functions incredibly well. I have a healthy body. I have friends who care. I have a God who loves me for me, despite all of my flaws. I have a LOT of stuff, probably too much. I’ve been blessed enough to have good life, a great life. Yet, why are there so many times that I find myself always asking for more?
If only I had _______. A lot of us can fill that blank with a whole list of things that we ‘need.’ Motivation. Love. Money. Friends. Opportunity. Those shoes. That job. That house. That car. The list adds up. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to need, or even want those things. Maybe you need a new job. Maybe that oldsmobile out in the driveway isn’t exactly running the way it used to. Maybe all you need is someone to care. How do we find the money to pay rent? How do we find friends who love us for who us? How do we find the things we need to be satisfied? Here’s the answer: Give thanks.
Before you think I’m crazy, read Mark 6:34-44. In this passage, the disciples just get back from preaching the word of God, healing diseases, and caring for the poor. Jesus congratulates them on all the work they’ve done, they get in a boat, and go to a quiet place to rest. However, when Jesus and His disciples get to shore, the beach is full of more than 5000 people, all waiting to hear from Jesus. He has compassion for them, and starts to preach until it gets late, and people start to get hungry. When the disciples ask Jesus to send them home to get something to eat, Jesus says something profound:
“You give them something to eat.” (verse 37)
The disciples look at Jesus like he’s crazy. There are more than 5000 people here! How will we find that kind of money? However, Jesus insists.
“How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” and when [the disciples] found out, they said, “Five, and two fish. Then he commanded the all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and fifties. and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of fish.” (verses 38-43)
Have you ever noticed that not once in this passage did Jesus ever ask for more bread or fish? He said a blessing over what He already had and it became more than enough.
Jesus is teaching us something amazing here. We have more than enough already. If you have given your life to Jesus, He has control of your life. Wherever you are right now, Jesus has put you here for a reason. We pray over and over again for more______, yet we never seem to see God give us the thing we pray for. Maybe it’s time to stop asking God for more. Maybe it’s time to start giving thanks for the things He’s already done in our lives. Wherever you are, whatever you’re struggling with, God is preparing you for an eternity with Him. If you’re struggling, He’s making you stronger. Be thankful for that. Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Maybe your life is great, and everything is perfect. God is blessing you. Be thankful for that.
I’ve found time and time again that as soon as we stop asking for so much and start giving thanks for what we already have, things become enough. Be thankful, wherever you are. You are loved by the King. We have enough.
SHINE516 