Roy Oswald says: “The truly happy person is the one who wants, more than anything else, what he already has.”

His statement is meant to bring attention to the idea that accumulating more stuff or experiences doesn’t necessarily make a person happier. True happiness, he argues, is about wanting what you already have.

It’s a surprising statement, especially in a culture like ours where one of its non-stop mantras is More, More, More!

Granted, some people are very unhappy in their current circumstances, especially if they are unsafe or living through a very stressful reality. I understand that. It’s good to want change. But Oswald’s statement is about something else. He’s encouraging us to push back on the idea of materialism and worldly success, and that the grass is always greener on the other side because God’s blessings today aren’t enough.

In Philippians 4:11 Paul said: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances,” whether well-fed or hungry, or rich or poor. He had learned this lesson despite being in prison, and despite shipwreck, whippings and beatings! Why? Because God rescued him, gave him purpose, and filled him with strength.

A dog was running with a huge steak in his mouth. He was having an amazing day! He was running beside a river. That’s when he looked into the water and saw another dog who also had a steak in his mouth. (It was his own reflection, but he didn’t know that.) Wanting what the other dog had—in addition to what he himself already had—he opened his mouth to try and grab it. When that happened his own steak fell out of his mouth and into the river. It was gone! That’s when he noticed the other dog’s steak was now gone as well. Everything was lost!**

The point is that envy deprives us of appreciating what we already have. 

I’m not saying your life is perfect. I’m sure it’s not. But take a moment to think about your life. In Christ there is forgiveness, peace, love, purpose, hope, strength, and a thousand other blessings from the Lord.

Perspective matters.

“The truly happy person is the one who wants, more than anything else, what he already has.”

Notes:

–The radio version of this devotional is now celebrating 7 years! Coordinator Jeff Walther has put a 1.5 minute video together explaining the ministry and how you can help! Click here to watch.

-“True Happiness, Contentment and the Coveting Thief.” Sermon. Click here.

-*Roy Oswald, Clergy Self-Care (Alban Institute, 1991), 186. In his book, Oswald was discussing clergy roles and responsibilities. I think his words apply more broadly as well.

-**Adapted from: Martin Luther, ed. Timothy J. Wengert, The Freedom of a Christian, 1520 (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016), 507.

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.