Naked, Hungry, and Cold

Poetry is so often profoundly symbolic written with layers and layers of meaning. However, I recently found a very short bit of verse that speaks very clearly to one of man’s most common temptations, that of discontentment. Here it is:

As a rule, Man’s a fool
When it’s hot, He wants it cool.
And when it’s cool, He wants it hot,
Always wanting What is not.

The devil has made many people miserable in their lives by simply dangling those things we do not have in front of them. Welling up inside all of us are those moments of discontentment. If we are not very careful to refocus our thoughts, we will lose our sense of peace. From his prison cell, the Apostle Paul wrote the following declaration in response to the Philippian’s gifts:

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:10-13 ESV).

Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked. “Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman. “Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?” the rich man asked. “What would I do with them?” “You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.” The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?” “You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist. “What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.

Don’t misunderstand. I am not advocating laziness, or denial of your dreams and hopes for the future. All of those things are perfectly acceptable. However, when we are consumed with what we do NOT have, we cannot truly be at peace. Someone said, “A contented man is one who enjoys the scenery along the detours.” Life is a journey that we are all called upon to walk. Some of the roads we travel take us to places that are not as desirable as others. But the same wonderful Savior, who walks with us on the easy paths, also walks with us down the difficult paths. So, naked or clothed, hungry or fed, with little or plenty, rest in the unalterable truth that we can do everything with Christ’s help! “For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15). Feast in His riches today!