Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus.

Highlights

• Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced.

• Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered.

• Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy.

• Christ is the source, not the supplement.

• Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance.

• Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself.

• Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Noticing What God has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"  – Psalm 87:7 NIV

I didn't want to covet. Ick. I knew coveting was against both God's will and His Word. But, how do you stop feelings when they come like a tidal wave? How can one woman hold back a giant rush of emotions?

In this case, I was packing up the back of a man's truck. I was packing his truck up with the exact sentimental sort of items I previously gave up. Because we had lived in so many places around the nation, I had to let go of holiday decorations over the years to make room for our moves. Yet now? I was helping a man load up a truck filled with the very things I had to let go of.

I wanted to serve this man by helping him; however, I also had to fight the inclination to want what he had. I knew we obeyed God by moving so much. I knew we followed Him where He wanted us to go.

Often, in obedience, there is sacrifice. Often, in moving with God, there is a laying down of goods or things we once thought we really needed.

Have you ever experienced this?

In my situation, I was happy to let go for the greater gain of following God.

For instance, I knew that if Jesus came down from heaven and addressed me, saying, "Kelly, do you want holiday decorations or do you want to serve me?" I would undoubtedly say, "Jesus, I choose you."

No item, no position, no money, no role, no appearance can match the precious calling of walking with God and living for Him. I knew this.

I told God this.

"Father?" I said. "I would give it all up again. Jesus is worthy. It is my joy to lay down things for the precious gain of serving you and your people."

I realized God has given me far more than the world or its goods ever could.

In this moment, I suddenly felt God's love and His closeness sweep over me. I think He was pleased.

Jesus is worth it. His love is priceless. His eyes see all of it.

I don't have to please myself with goods, because the greatest joy of my life is serving Him. I don't have to please man, because it is His delight I look for. I don't have to appear a certain way, because even with little, I have so much of Him.

In Him are all my fountains.

"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'" (Ps. 87:7 NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Where are you looking at what you don’t have instead of all you have in Christ Jesus? How might God be calling you to adjust your vantage point? What do you have in Christ Jesus? How does this change things?

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