The Girl Who Has Everything

Photo Credit: Alejandro Villa

(By Heather Marshall)

Do you ever look at your life and feel like you just don’t have enough? 

I am reminded of the story of the little mermaid, Ariel, in one of my favorite Disney movies. She looks at her life and all of the things she has collected, singing about how it seems like she has everything, yet her heart desires more. [Watch Ariel's Song] (https://youtu.be/SXKlJuO07eM?si=q7XTThZjSaxILb6W).

The words from Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” could easily reflect my own feelings. I look at my life and feel truly blessed, yet very often I resonate with Ariel's desire when she bemoans wanting more. 

Why does this feeling of discontent linger like an unpleasant odor? It feels almost inescapable.

As humans living in this fallen world, we are acutely aware of our physical surroundings. Our senses are bombarded by the trinkets and treasures this world offers, creating a perception that what we have is never enough.

However, it’s not just about material possessions; we can also feel discontent regarding our bodies, abilities, or our place in life. Ariel had many treasures but yearned for a different body — a human one. If I’m honest, I’ve sometimes wished for a body that is thinner or more aesthetically pleasing.

Discontent can be pervasive, affecting almost every aspect of our lives. And not only that, but discontent is also dangerous!

Ariel’s feelings of discontent opened the door for her enemy to whisper lies into her heart, leading to disastrous consequences that impacted both her and her loved ones.

We only need to look at the Bible, starting in Genesis, to see how Satan whispered lies to Eve, sowing seeds of discontent. He suggested that God was withholding something good from Adam and Eve: “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5).

These lies resulted in discontent, which ultimately led the entire human race into sin. Therefore, discontent is a form of sin and can have disastrous effects.

It's crucial to be aware of these dissatisfactions as they can be incredibly intrusive, and our enemy is always looking for our weak points. “Be sober-minded; be alert. Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

At times, identifying our discontent can be challenging; we may have lived with it for so long that we are unaware of its presence. We can ask the Lord daily to “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-24).

I firmly believe that if we earnestly pray this prayer, God will reveal areas of offense, including discontent. But He won’t leave us there; He will guide us toward the everlasting way.

The everlasting way leads to contentment as we focus on our loving heavenly Father and the spiritual blessings that flow from our relationship with Him.

Here are some of the rich blessings we have through Christ (from Ephesians 1:3-14):  

• Chosen by God before creation (v.4)  

• Made holy and blameless before Him (v.4)  

• Predestined for adoption as God’s children (v.5)  

• Accepted in the beloved (v.6)  

• Redemption through Christ’s blood (v.7)  

• Forgiveness of sins (v.7)  

• The riches of God’s grace lavished on us (v.7-8)  

• Knowledge of the mystery of His will (v.9)  

• An inheritance in Christ (v.11)  

• Purpose and calling according to God’s plan (v.11)  

• Hope in Christ (v.12)  

• Sealed with the Holy Spirit (v.13)  

• The Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance (v.14)  

Wow! We truly are the girls who have everything! 

If we keep our eyes fixed on God and these remarkable blessings, there will be no room for discontent!

And remember, not only do we have “everything required for life and godliness,”  but we also have a glorious future awaiting us where we will be fully satisfied (2 Peter 1:3).

“Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied” (Psalm 17:15).