How fitting today’s devotion is. Although when he wrote these Tripp would have known the date for Thanksgiving Day (TD) would move around, today’s is on “needs,” a perfect topic for TD. Today is the day set aside on the calendar and called TD and his opening statement sets the tone:
“How could I not have all I need when my Savior has promised not to withhold any good thing from me?”
The discussion always goes to need vs greed. But Tripp avoids that by looking at what I call a “need” and seeing the end result of need = essential for life. He puts an interesting and CONVICTING twist on this devotion. What I see as a need can often lead to:
- Entitlement- It’s mine.
- Demand- Give it to me.
- Judgment- You don’t love me or You do.
Honestly, I’ve never looked at it this way but I can see how that happens. I can also see how those 3 scenarios would play havoc with my faith and my growth. Most assuredly with my gratitude. I become nothing more than a spoiled child.
“Father, on this day set aside at TD may I not lose sight of your goodness and graciousness. Help me not to get to the point of entitlement, demand or judgment. Help me, instead, to see I have all I need because You promised that. Thank you for all your have blessed me with and without.”
Bill,
I thought the same thing when reading the devotion this morning… how fitting.
How often I put things into a category of Need, when those things should really be identified as essential for life.
Takes the list down pretty quickly.
Even those items that I have considered VERY VERY important such as a house or transportation. There are many that do not have either.
I too liked the twist that Tripp presented with the Entitlement, demand and judgement. I think it speaks not only to society, but often to my heart as well.
My prayer is that God would help me have a spirit of Gratitude today and beyond and that my gratitude may positively impact the lives of those around me today.
Happy Thanksgiving…
“Speaks to my heart as well” are some very important words to hear or read, Ryan. It is way too easy to say it is for someone else. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Amanda and the kids as well.
Yes! May we consider all the gifts He has given as blessings, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.
Hope you have a great TD, Bill!
What a difference our hearts would experience if it was every day of the year. Hope you had a great TD Martha.