March 10, 2008
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The snare of an EASY LIFE……
“In my prosperity I said I shall never be moved.”
Psalm 30:6
“Moab settled on his lees, he hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel.” Give a man wealth; let his ships bring home continually rich freights; let the winds and waves appear to be his servants to bear his vessels across the bosom of the mighty deep; let his lands yield abundantly: let the weather be propitious to his crops; let uninterrupted success attend him; let him stand among men as a successful merchant; let him enjoy continued health; allow him with braced nerve and brilliant eye to march through the world, and live happily; give him the buoyant spirit; let him have the song perpetually on his lips; let his eye be ever sparkling with joy–and the natural consequence of such an easy state to any man, let him be the best Christian who ever breathed, will be presumption; even David said, “I shall never be moved;” and we are not better than David, nor half so good. Brother, beware of the smooth places of the way; if you are treading them, or if the way be rough, thank God for it. If God should always rock us in the cradle of prosperity; if we were always dandled on the knees of fortune; if we had not some stain on the alabaster pillar; if there were not a few clouds in the sky; if we had not some bitter drops in the wine of this life, we should become intoxicated with pleasure, we should dream “we stand;” and stand we should, but it would be upon a pinnacle; like the man asleep upon the mast, each moment we should be in jeopardy.
We bless God, then, for our afflictions; we thank Him for our changes; we extol His name for losses of property; for we feel that had He not chastened us thus, we might have become too secure. Continued worldly prosperity is a fiery trial.
“Afflictions, though they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent.”
Excerpt from Spurgeon’s Daily Devotional
Comments (6)
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Jenn
What a good reminder that we will have adversity as well as prosperity…and all from His good hand.
We must surrender daily to whatever He gives us…in joy or in trial…but I am very grateful that it isn’t all adversity. I am thankful for the joy He adds to my days, yet I do not want to become complacent or indifferent. It is my desire that I can see all of Him in His dealing with me.
How are you doing, Georgene? Anything happening with the house and your move?
Love you!
I love the word “mercy” and it’s meaning. Hope all is well.
It’s good to keep that fresh in our minds, no matter how little or alot we have. It’s the Lords and He wants our focus and trust on Him.
@Mother_of_Encouragement - Yes, I am thankful that it’s not all adversity. Are my posts sounding ‘gloomy’ these days? Maybe I need to reevaluate.
We’re doing just fine. Kevin’s surgery came out fine and he is recovering quickly. He’ll probably go back to work the first week of April (if the Lord wills it). No news on our house. It’s still for sale. So thankful that the Lord is in control! 
Thanks for asking. How are things with you?
Have a blessed spring day!