By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/12/20

Read 1 Corinthians 10:11-13.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years under Moses’ leadership. They had none of the distractions of our modern lives—no smart phones, no social media, no 24-hour news cycle. They were told to do one simple thing: follow God. As they walked, they followed God’s physical manifestation—cloud by day, fire by night. Yet, despite God’s physical presence and awesome provision, they still grumbled and set their hearts on evil things, falling into temptation (see v.6). They were discontent with the wisdom, provision, and very presence of Almighty God.

Contentment is not something we’re born with; it’s something we learn. We must train ourselves to be satisfied, and we do this by simply counting our blessings. When we count our blessings, we remember that all we have is ours by grace. Suddenly, we realize that every good thing is a gift from our loving Father’s hand (see James 1:17). And looking upon the wondrous love of our divine Creator, we come to see that He is Himself our greatest treasure.

Paul cautions us with the negative example of the Israelites to warn us of the consequences of discontentment. We must not forget all we have in Jesus as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:17). In trying times, the temptation to despair or covet may appear more than we can handle, but no temptation can overcome us if we trust in and set our eyes on our Savior.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your generous blessings in my life. May I develop a grateful heart as I open my eyes to see all the good You work in my life each day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).