Daily Devotions: February 5, 2020

February 5, 2020
For full passage click:  Psalm 112:1-7 … “Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments…Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.” vss. 1, 3
Our Scriptures offer a broad range of perspectives on the God-pleasing life and the blessings that come to the faithful. Often we’re told that riches are deceptive and that the treasures of this world are ephemeral and dangerous. We’re used to hearing sermons about the dangers of wealth and the temptations related to accumulation. We know that those warnings are true, but this Psalmist reminds us that there is also another way to look at wealth and riches. He believes that there are material rewards for those who fear the Lord and who delight in the commandments of the law. Most of us resonate with that reasoning; we also believe that the blessings of God will include money and possessions. We take pleasure in our things and enjoy being surrounded by material comforts. And it seems to be true that those who faithfully live according to God’s precepts will also have all they need for a comfortable life. Certainly we will regularly take time to thank God for those blessings–and also be generous in our sharing. But we’ll also be aware of wealth’s pitfalls! Blessings can easily turn into curses when riches become our center. True wisdom is knowing the point at which our possessions have begun to possess us. Once that line is crossed, our souls are quickly corrupted.
Thought for the Day: What material comforts do I enjoy the most?