Jed Clampett is a pretty good study on thankfulness where the blessings don’t become his identity or his master. Where the manipulative banker is the one who needs teaching, and learns time after time from the simple and humble man who has received unmerited favor and blessings beyond measure that seem only an afterthought not a goal and purpose. Jed didn’t earn that bubbling fount of blessing by hard work, and neither can Mr. Drysdale relieve him of it though his many schemes. Because Jed doesn’t find his identity, purpose, or value in the same type of measuring stick — Jed is just living each day in awe of this undeserved fortune.
What joy we find resting in the Lord!
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord ;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the Lord , and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalms 34:1-8 ESV
Lord, burn away those old Drysdale tendencies and remind us of that sweet Clampett heart.
Harold J. Ballinger 