I woke up to the sound of children laughing. It wasn’t what I expected to hear in an orphanage in a third-world country. I thought they would be sad because they lacked so much, but instead, their spirits were full of joy.
They weren’t dwelling on what they didn’t have. Instead, they embraced what they did: friends, a caring community, and staff who looked after them. For a moment, we visitors had the privilege of stepping into their world and showing them, they mattered.
“The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” – Proverbs 10:3
Meanwhile, in wealthier countries like the United States, even those earning minimum wage make more than most people worldwide. Yet, we often spend our earnings on expensive things—sometimes to impress others or to chase a fleeting sense of happiness. We keep buying, thinking it will fulfill us, but it never does. Only God can.
Like the orphans who focused on what they had rather than what they lacked, I find joy when I seek God in my struggles. Through painting, drawing, writing and praying He gives me peace.
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:3
When I desire something just out of reach, I have to ask myself: Is this for the benefit of others, or just for me?
Think about it. Maybe someone wants a Rolls Royce—not for its efficiency, but to flaunt wealth. Or a man desires to be CEO of Google—not because he cares about his employees, but for the prestige. Or a woman wants the “hottest” man alive—not for love, but to make others jealous.
The Danger of Selfish Desires
Take Jeff Bezos, for example. He started his business in a garage when most people still relied on brick-and-mortar stores. Would customers even trust an online business? He based his business on customer satisfaction and it thrived.
Can you imagine what his business is today? I’ll tell you in a second . . .
Now, imagine if, after hitting the jackpot, he focused only on himself—building a dream mansion with a pool, movie theater, and private gym—forgetting about his customers. Jesus told a similar parable in Luke 12:16-21, where a rich man planned to indulge in his wealth, only to die that very night.
Giving From What We Have
In some places, buying necessities is a struggle. The teenage girls at the orphanage I visited shared one washcloth among them all—gross! There simply wasn’t enough money for each girl to have her own. So, we bought them each a new, individual washcloth. A woman who spoke their language explained to them the importance of hygiene.
The food at the orphanage was terrible. I struggled to eat it and often relied on food I had packed instead of joining them for breakfast.
But I knew one thing every kid loves—candy! I saw inexpensive whistle lollipops at the grocery store and filled a bag. I made sure every child with teeth got one, and since I had extras, I handed out seconds. Soon, the room was filled with the sound of whistles—chaotic, but joyful!
The Fulfillment of Giving
Giving those simple gifts—washcloths and lollipops—felt incredibly fulfilling. God calls us to use what we have to bless others. Not just to meet their needs, but to bring them joy. In turn, we experience true fulfillment.
Oh, and in case you were wondering—Jeff Bezos’ business is Amazon.
What Can You Give?
If you have abundance, is there something you can give to someone in need? You don’t have to travel to another country—you might have a neighbor in need right now.
What cause are you passionate about? What can you do about it?
How has God met your spiritual needs?
For more on what satisfies check out The Secret to Fulfilling My Deepest Desires here or another story on caring for orphans Independent or Dependent on God: Two True Stories.
Sources and References:
The Bible. New International Version, Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2010%3A3&version=NIV.
The Bible. New International Version, Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204%3A3&version=NIV.
Stone, Brad. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon. Little, Brown and Company, 2013.