Watching this humming bird at its feeder while I porch-sat with an early morning cup of coffee was both entertaining and enlightening. Undoubtedly this tiny but magnificent creature was acting instinctively as it drove away other hungry “hummers.” It showed no signs of grace or generosity while ferociously guarding a feeder filled with enough food to last a month. Rather than being grateful for a blessing bestowed, it became entitled to something not of its making or doing.
That sandbox mentality of “it is mine” with no compunction to share is also a familiar human trait. However, forgetting that all good things are blessings from God, taking them for granted, and assuming that we deserve them or that they are the product of our own doing are ungrateful and disordered beliefs which lead to dissatisfaction.
Dissatisfaction is not always detrimental. It can be a positive motivator leading to improvement or greater achievement or increased dedication to a cause or to instigating change and promoting social justice. Yet, our culture seems to increasingly focus on the “I want” rather than the “I have.” That attitude is destructive, harms our souls, and generates an unhappy, dysfunctional society. Whether it is the demand for special rights, the desire for instant gratification, materialistic goals, cynicism, the lack of moral foundational truths, or the lack of personal discipline, (and the list goes on), we feel the personal and cultural turmoil of ingratitude.
Scripture encourages us to concentrate on blessings and to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:15) The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian believers with the truth that thankfulness is key to contentment. He said “with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Taking blessings for granted and believing them to be deserved gives ingratitude an opportunity to works its wicked way, but a thankful attitude results in greater happiness and satisfaction and less depression and anxiety. Neither prosperity nor good circumstances give lasting satisfaction or have eternal value. They are transitory, but Christ holds the answer to inner peace. He essentially said that seeking God and thirsting after His righteousness is what satisfies. That righteousness is not self generated but is the righteousness of Christ gifted to us when we repent and believe and are authentically changed to live in light of the Gospel.
If you “Ain’t Got no Satisfaction” (Kiss), consider the words of Charles Swindoll: “Nothing physical satisfies the soul. Remember that the soul belongs to God. He alone can gratify it.” And hear the Psalmist: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever…For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”(Psalm 107:1,9)
Contentment arises from appreciation for God’s goodness, saving grace, and sovereign providence
Thank God.
Sweet Words from Maine 
Reading this mix of topics makes me realize how connected everything is—family, work, faith, purpose. Eternal principles really do filter into every part of life, even the small stuff.