THORNS OR ROSES?

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONS

Thorns or Roses?

Read:  Numbers 14:1-11

When the people complained,

it displeased the Lord.  Number 11:1

Two boys were eating some grapes.  One of them remarked, “Aren’t they sweet!” I guess so,” the other replied, “but they’re full of seeds.”  Wandering into a garden, the first boy exclaimed, “Look at those big, beautiful red roses!” The other commented, “They’re full of thorns!” It was a warm day, so they stopped at the store for a soft drink.  After several swallows, the second youngster complained, “My bottle’s half-empty already.” The first quickly responded, “Mine’s still half-full!”

Many people are like the negative-thinking boy in this story.  They always look at life through dark glasses.  Like the children of Israel in today’s Scripture, they complain and grumble when they should be praising the Lord for His gracious provisions.  But thank God, not everyone is like that.  There are people who concentrated on the bright side and are radiant, happy, and grateful.  They are realistic about the somber side of life, but they don’t pout and fret.

You can overcome negative thinking.  No matter who you are or what your circumstances, there’s always much to be grateful for.  Think about God’s love for you.  Praise Him for His providential care.  Then, instead of complaining about thorns, you’ll be thankful for the roses.        RDH

Some folks see so many thorns,

They scarce can see one rose,

While others count two blossoms

For every thorn that grows. -Garrison

Instead of grumbling because you don’t get what you want, be thankful you don’t get what you deserve.