Issue 1432 – Grateful? – April 26, 2024
Our washing machine has a severe leak in the drum gasket. I searched online, and the parts alone will cost $400. A new machine will cost about $1200. So we find ourselves debating whether to spend the $400, knowing the machine is old and showing signs of wearing out, or buy a new one. I suspect we will bite the bullet and replace the leaking machine with a new one.
I found myself muttering about the cost. As I did so, I got a little check in my spirit. What about those with no laundry machine? What about those with no water at all? What about those who do not have a home to put a washing machine in? Do you not remember that time in rural Southeast Asia telling me how grateful you were to have a shower from the rainwater pouring off the roof in the monsoons?
Ouch.
Oh, how easy it is to go from gratitude to ingratitude. It is so easy to go from being wildly passionate about something to taking it for granted.
During their time in the desert, the people of Israel had it down to an art.
Now, the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh, that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing: the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6
They were having every need provided for by God. The pillar of fire by night and cloud by day guided them and reminded them constantly of God’s presence in their lives. Yet they forgot and grumbled.
It is easy for us to shake our heads at “those Israelites” for being so blind. Yet, we are not so different. Look around you and see all that God has provided. It may not be everything our heart lusts after, but He has provided. He has given us the gift of salvation, the only gift that lasts all eternity. He has given us life. He gives us the very air we breathe.
To all of this, we often respond with indifference, ingratitude and whining. We need to be thankful that He has not responded as He did to the Israelites. Their constant lack of faith and complaining eventually led to their death in the desert.
Look around you and see how blessed you are. You cannot think of anything? The fact that you can read this message means you have it better than the bulk of this world’s population. You have computer access (or someone who cares enough about you to print it out and give it to you) and can read (or have the software to read it to you). That puts you amongst the wealthiest people in the world. If you know Jesus as Savior, you are amongst the most privileged people in the world for eternity.
Make a list of the things you have to be grateful for. Use it to remind yourself when you are having a pity party. As the old song says, “Count your blessings. Name them one by one.” Then, give thanks to God.
Until next time, take some time to be grateful.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)