Gratitude or not? ∙∙
Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough? – Numbers 11:22
Numbers 11:1-11
1 Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, destroying some people in the camp’s outskirts.
2 Then the people screamed to Moses for help, and when he prayed to the LORD, the fire stopped.
4 Then, the foreign rabble traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt, and the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed.
5 “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted.”
6 “But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”
8 The people would go out and gather it from the ground. They made flour by grinding it with hand mills or pounding it in mortars. Then they boiled it in a pot and made it into flat cakes. These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.
9 The manna came down on the camp with the dew during the night.
10 Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining, and the LORD became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated.
11 And Moses said to the LORD, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people?”
How much does it take for us to have enough and be grateful?
When asked, “How much money is enough money?” John D. Rockefeller replied, “Just a little bit more.”
Rockefeller might ultimately be best known for the sheer magnitude of his wealth. In 1902, an audit revealed that Rockefeller was worth approximately $200 million, starkly contrasted against the United States’ total national wealth of $101 billion that year. His net worth during the final decades of his life would undoubtedly position him among the wealthiest individuals in history.
In many respects, Rockefeller reflects the insatiable desires within our own hearts – whether fixated on something specific or driven by a nebulous yearning for “more.” Yet, in reality, “more” is never truly sufficient.
There is a superior path – cultivating gratitude.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others” (Cicero).
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual” (Thoreau).
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer” (Maya Angelou).
“O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!!” (Shakespeare).
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around” (Willie Nelson).
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” (Karl Barth).
The Father desires more than our gratitude for what we possess; He wants us to be thankful for everything. King David grasped this lesson early in his life and embodied it. His insights are scattered throughout the Psalms, offering us a window into his practice of unwavering thankfulness.
Psalms 73:25-28
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
As we grow older, the vitality of our youth gradually diminishes, replaced by fatigue and waning strength that comes with aging. Mobility becomes limited, and chronic pain and frustration may set in. It’s easy to become disheartened, discontent, and eventually bitter, leading to a demanding and ungrateful attitude. We may find ourselves grumbling and resentful, spiraling downward until the Father opens the eyes of our hearts to recognize what we’ve become.
In the midst of our dissatisfaction and resentment, we often hurt those around us, especially those closest to us. Thus, our forgiveness must extend not only vertically but also horizontally. Once we gain this awareness, we can confess and seek forgiveness. We must ask for forgiveness from those we’ve wronged on our path to despair.
REFLECT & PRAY
Wanting more in and of itself is not inherently wrong. In fact, yearning for more of the Father is truly wonderful.
Father, how I long to have a heart like David’s, filled with immense love and devotion to You. I am aware that nothing on this earth can fulfill me as You alone can.
INSIGHT
Complaining became the national pastime for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The more they complained, the more self-absorbed they grew. They were never content and constantly grumbled about the Father’s provision (Exodus 17:1-3). Despite the Father sending manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4), instead of rejoicing and being grateful, they wanted more. They pined for different food (Numbers 11:4). The Israelites constantly desired something more, something better, something else, or even something they used to have (Numbers 11:4-6).
Psalms 16 is a profoundly personal hymn of joy that highlights the Father’s goodness. David finds his delight solely in the Father, acknowledging that all the good in his life comes from Him. David expresses joy, praise, humility, and submission to the divine will.
David relied on the Father for safety, needing His constant care and oversight of all the good things that the Father had provided. For David, the Father was his greatest treasure and highest good.
Sadly, our longing, hungry hearts often lead us on desperate, futile quests for satisfaction. David shows us a better way to live. Instead of craving more things, wealth, power, or recognition, he realized that true contentment was not found “out there.” David discovered the secret and joy of being at home in the Father’s presence.
More than that, David indeed delighted in his closeness to the Father. The source of David’s greatest joy was being with Him.
Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11 stands unmatched in its depiction of beautiful possibilities. It begins with the simplest of words. The path of life is a way of living that leads to life with the Father. It brings us into His presence and into eternity. The joys and pleasures David speaks of are utterly satisfying and endlessly varied, found in who the Father is and what He gives (Kidner).
The Hebrew word translated as “in your presence” is literally in your panim, “faces.” The sense is close proximity, companionship, care, and protection.
How can we ever be satisfied? What is enough? When we learn the art of gratitude, we will be satisfied. The Father is pleased when His children are content and offer Him grateful praise.
Isaiah 30:15 In quietness and trust is your strength.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 