Ecclesiastes 5:19 (GNT)
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (NIV). That’s the kind of God we serve. He gave us the world for our enjoyment! But here’s the problem: We’re so busy getting more that we don’t enjoy what we’ve got.
The secret of contentment is to learn to enjoy what God has given you.
Instead of grasping for more, pay attention to what you have now. Open your eyes, appreciate what God has already given you, and enjoy what you’ve got.
One of my favorite things to do is to watch the sunrise from the slope in our yard. I put a deck chair out there decades ago. I think I bought it at Target, and it wasn’t expensive. It’s faded, and a couple of slats are broken. I love to sit in that ratty old chair and watch the sun come up. It gives me great pleasure!
Would I have any more joy watching the sunrise if I were sitting in a diamond-encrusted recliner instead of my old, worn chair? No, it would not increase my joy one bit. In fact, there is an advantage to not having a diamond-encrusted recliner and instead being content with my old chair: No one will steal it!
You need to ask yourself, “What am I not enjoying right now?” Most of us get into what I call “when and then” thinking: “When this happens, then I’ll be happy.”
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (NIV). That’s the kind of God we serve. He gave us the world for our enjoyment! But here’s the problem: We’re so busy getting more that we don’t enjoy what we’ve got.
The secret of contentment is to learn to enjoy what God has given you.
Instead of grasping for more, pay attention to what you have now. Open your eyes, appreciate what God has already given you, and enjoy what you’ve got.
One of my favorite things to do is to watch the sunrise from the slope in our yard. I put a deck chair out there decades ago. I think I bought it at Target, and it wasn’t expensive. It’s faded, and a couple of slats are broken. I love to sit in that ratty old chair and watch the sun come up. It gives me great pleasure!
Would I have any more joy watching the sunrise if I were sitting in a diamond-encrusted recliner instead of my old, worn chair? No, it would not increase my joy one bit. In fact, there is an advantage to not having a diamond-encrusted recliner and instead being content with my old chair: No one will steal it!
You need to ask yourself, “What am I not enjoying right now?” Most of us get into what I call “when and then” thinking: “When this happens, then I’ll be happy.”
“When I get a boyfriend, then I’ll be happy.” “When I get married, then I’ll be happy.” “When I have kids, then I’ll be happy.” “When my kids go off to school, then I’ll be happy.” “When I get married again, then I’ll be happy.”
But here’s the truth: You are as happy as you choose to be. If you’re not happy now, you’re not going to be happy later. Happiness is a choice!
I could take you to some of the poorest places in the world and show you two people living right next door to each other. One is miserable, and one is happy. Why? Happiness has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your attitude.
If you’re not happy with what you’re living on right now, I can guarantee that you’re not going to be happy with more. Because no matter what you have, you’re always going to want a little bit more.
Happiness is a choice. Choose right now to enjoy what God has given you!
Talk It Over
What has God blessed you with that you have not been enjoying to the fullest?
What have you been waiting for to be happy?
If happiness is a choice, why do people choose to be unhappy?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Today we choose joy. Not because everything is perfect, but because You are with us. Let joy fill our thoughts, happiness overflow in our words, and peace guide our actions. Lord, today we choose to refuse to be ruled by fear, anger, or disappointment. Instead, we embrace Your goodness and receive Your smile over our lives. Help us to breathe in gratitude with every breath. Your joy protects us from bitterness and despair when we keep our focus on Your faithfulness rather than life's difficulties. Help us to find lasting happiness not in circumstances but in Your unchanging love. Let us rejoice in You always, no matter what we face.
Lift our spirit above discouragement. Replace sorrow with laughter, doubts with faith, and fears with peace. Help us embrace gratitude so that happiness becomes our natural state. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Lift our spirit above discouragement. Replace sorrow with laughter, doubts with faith, and fears with peace. Help us embrace gratitude so that happiness becomes our natural state. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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