Being Happy with What You Have



     Just the other day, my son was watching an episode of Veggie Tales on Netflix. If you haven't introduced this show to your kids, I highly recommend it! It promotes biblical messages in everyday scenarios and each episode ends with a reminder that "God made you special and He loves you very much." The message from this particular episode spoke about envy and truly being happy with what you have

     In the show, the main character Larry the Cucumber, is playing with his lasso outside. He is having fun until Ichabeezer (very wealthy) shows up flying around in his new Rocket Boot. Ichabeezer teases Larry for playing with his old lasso and then flies off. Larry is saddened because he does not have his own Rocket Boot like Ichabeezer. His roommate Bob tries to remind him that God wants us to be happy with what we have but Larry convinces himself that the only way to be happy again, is to have that Rocket Boot.

     Eventually, Larry begs Ichabeezer enough that Ichabeezer gives him the Rocket Boot. Larry flies around the city, having a lot of fun until...Ichabeezer shows up with the new version, Rocket Boot 2.0 and mocks Larry's old Rocket Boot. Again, Larry finds himself unhappy. Flash forward and Larry has 4 Rocket Boots (all old versions) thrown in his closet, never to be worn again. In the end, he realizes that Bob was right, he should be happy with what he has. So he grabbed his old lasso and began to have fun like he use to, with what God has already provided to him.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

     I know this is a kid's show, but how many of us do this with the latest iPhones? We buy an iPhone and we're filled with excitement, but as soon as the next phone comes out, we look at our old version like it is a piece of junk. People do the same with their cars, apple watch, computers, all types of gadgets, clothes, and accessories. Each one of these purchases might make us happy momentarily but it will not last. I like to look at a purchase similar to a fuel gage in our vehicles. We buy something new, the fuel gage hits the full mark...but over time, that fuel gage begins to deplete until we need a new purchase to fill out our gage of happiness, of fitting in with the crowd or staying current/above our social class

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:25-26

     In the end, we just want to be happy but we look for happiness in our material things and the people around us. Our happiness should be from God and all he has provided us. Some might read this and say "Well, what if God provided all this stuff to make me happy?" Do you honestly think God really wants you thrown in constant debt? No way! He doesn't want you living beyond your means. He doesn't want you burdened and under the pressures of society. He wants us free, happy, and full of Love

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

     If you have a car that runs and gets you where you need to go...be happy God has provided you with one. If your car doesn't run, pray about it and be specific, but still give thanks and be happy for what you do have. Be happy for the roof over your head, the ability to walk, talk, and breathe. Be happy and rejoice that you have a Father in Heaven that loves and cares for you and provides what you need; never putting you in a situation you would never be able to handle. 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13

     Right after reading this post, I would like you to take a moment with God, and thank Him for what He has provided you. List everything you can think of. Let him know, that you will/are happy with what you have. Ask him to remove any envy you may have of others, and be specific. Live the way God wants you to live, not the way of the world.



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Ken is a blogger at Christian Pals Blog. He enjoys anything creative and playing golf.
Proud father, husband, and servant of God.


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Comments

  1. Your blog is so great as it enriches christian lives. God bless you. Amen

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