The paradox of plenty
Day 452, Thursday, Nov. 6
Hosea 11:12 – Chapter 14
Logic would suggest that the times we have the most would be the times we are most aware of God and his blessings. Experience tells us that the opposite is true: it is when we have plenty that we are most likely to drift away from God.
In 13:6 we read, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.”
We don’t have to look far to see this same dynamic at work in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. When we hunger, either literally or figuratively, we are quick to look to God for relief. After he feeds us, though, our pride kicks in and we start relying on ourselves and the resources we think of as our own.
It is when we realizes that all of the resources we have came from God and that our blessings are not our own accomplishment that we begin to attain the wisdom to worship and thank God at all times—not just turning to him in times of desperation.
Hosea ends with these words: “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Thursday meditation
Psalms 22:9-18
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.
Prayer focus
In times of struggle and in times of abundance let us always recognize your grace at work.