Is the Grass Greener?

“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 6:9

We have all heard the old saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”  I presume that the saying originally referred to animals breaking through fences because they thought there was better pasture on the other side.

We use this proverb to say that the things other people possess, or their situations always look better than your own, even when that is not true. Someone has added the following to this quote: “Even if you think the grass is greener on the other side, you’re going to have to mow that side too.”

I am sure we are all guilty at times of looking at what others have and thinking that we should be able to have the same.  The writer in Ecclesiastes stressed that we should enjoy what is available to us rather than let our minds wander to things that we do not have.  The same people we are looking at may think we have more than they do.

It is important to remember that God has a plan for each one of us, and He knows exactly what we need in order to fulfill that plan.  He promised to meet our every need but did not say He would give us everything we wanted.  Often the things we think we want, are not good for us.  Let us be thankful for the things that He has made available to us and enjoy them.  Whatever talents and abilities He blessed us with, we need to nurture and use for His glory.

The apostle Paul said he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself.  Knowing that the Lord is in control brings contentment and joy.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you have given me in this life to enjoy.  Help me to use what you have given me for your honour and glory, and not be wasting my time longing after the things that are not your will for me.

Devotion by Anne Johnston