As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.’ By your favour, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” vss. 6-7
Psalm 30:6-12
The psalmist had been confident in his relationship with the Lord, and, in his estimation, he had been blessed. Like many people he believed that there was a link between faith and prosperity, and since he had wealth, he anticipated that the good times would continue. And then the bottom dropped out and things turned sour. Judging from the context of his prayer, he became very ill, almost to the point of death. At that point, with his confidence shaken, he had turned back to the Lord, and in humility pleaded for healing.
His story is not rare! There are many who could tell the same sad story. We did our investing, worked hard, and piled up nice little nest eggs for our retirement and we learned quickly to enjoy the perks of prosperity. We plan trips and the future looks good, and on Sundays we thank the Lord for our blessings. And then life happens. Sometimes a routine physical reveals the unthinkable. Financial resources are depleted by forces beyond our control. Our stable family relationships begin to disintegrate. Our whole attitude changes and in despair we turn back to God, and discover that our true wealth is not in the material, but in the spiritual. And Jesus becomes once again our refuge and strength!
Thought for the Day: When have I gotten “wake up calls?”
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