'If I Were a Rich Man'
Theme of the Week: The Secret of Contentment
Steve Brown
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
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Key Bible Verse: I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little (Philippians 4:11). Bonus Reading:Philippians 4:10-20
During his many appearances in summer stock theater in the role of Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," actor Robert Merrill learned to expect the unexpected. One night, Tevye's horse had lost a shoe, and Tevye implored God to give him a replacement. At that point, a small, spotted dog walked onto the stage. The audience started laughing, and the actor bowed his head and ad-libbed, "Oh, Lord, would You try again?"
It was a nice line. But when God grants us answers to our prayers, we're often dissatisfied with His answers, and wish He'd try again. We become ungrateful and slap the hand that's feeding us only that which is good.
We would enjoy much greater peace and satisfaction in life if we would stop asking the Lord to try again and accept what, in His love and mercy, He decides to give. Someone has said that happiness doesn't consist in getting what you want but in wanting what you get. Consider what He has done for you in creation, salvation, spiritual growth, relationships, finances, and so on. For the Christian, happiness consists in being thankful for what God graciously gives.
—Steve Brown in Jumping Hurdles
My Response: I'll take some time to thank God for what He has already done for me.
Thought to Apply: Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.
—source unknown
Adapted from Jumping Hurdles (Baker, 1992) by permission.
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
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Lord, teach me to get along happily with whatever You wisely and graciously choose for me.
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