Daily Devotional for Wednesday, November 12

The Sight of the Eyes

“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?” Ecclesiastes 6:9, 12.

“I want, I want, I want!” Who has not heard a child say this, and yes, even some adults. Contentment seems to be a fleeting thing to achieve. The Bible has a lot to say about covetousness, but the final lesson is, “Be content with such things as ye have” (Hebrews 13:5).

            The lesson here is to look upon the things you already have. How do you fix a coveting heart? By not only looking at what you have but also being thankful for it. The wandering desire is vanity, meaning it is not profitable or does not satisfy. This is also vexation of spirit meaning covetousness brings a troubled and irritated heart and mind. Being thankful to the Lord who has given you all things helps you realize who He is, and you will trust that He will provide for you. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job had everything stripped from him; yet, he was able to praise the Lord. If you are too busy wanting and accumulating more, then you are neglecting giving praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

            You hear quite often, “You cannot take it with you,” but for some reason sometimes knowing that does not help. What helps is being reminded in God’s Word, life is vain except when doing things for His glory and to remember to give Him thanks.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Even the world is realizing that thankfulness changes the attitude for the better. What a wonderful blessing if you would be thankful to God who gives you all things.

Karry Irizarry