Bless my soul and all that attends me, Oh my Father God. I have contemplated my life and endeavours, and know that I have often gotten caught up in ‘the doing’, instead of relaxation, because I love to be active and achieve my ideas and goals. Though life circumstances and inclination dictated against achieving great wealth, to have enough for comfortable living, has been important; and taken up considerable physical strength and focus. I realize in the end, it is not whether we possess or achieve much that matters, but more it is our gratitude and joy in what we have, that nurtures relationships and brings enduring contentment.
Last night I watched a program that illustrated the replacement of a derelict girl’s school dormitory, with a very basic new weather tight one. Then there were pictures of the small one roomed mud huts in which each family lived in the surrounding villages. Over and over again, the helpers said, the girls and families were so happy and content, even though their houses were dark and they had so few possessions. Obviously, the helpers were speaking from their perspective of coming from commodious dwelling places, with plenty in the wardrobe, pantry, shed and garage. God blesses some people with wealth, who do not become caught up in them, or lured away from loving God and their fellow man. But for every such person, why so many others who cannot handle much wealth, with balance and fidelity? The scriptures have much direction from God, on what really matters for His each beloved person. 1Timothy 6: 9, 10 “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Are, so now I see, that it is not the wealth and the possessions in themselves, that are necessarily the snare to my focus and integrity, but what and who has my heart, and total endeavour. An all absorbing focus on money and possessions can be the problem for a poor man, as well for anyone on up to having extreme wealth. Jesus was discussing what a man must consider, to truly follow Him, and said, Mark 8: 36, 37 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” These questions are answered by another statement from Jesus, Matthew 6: 21 “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”
King David had known a life of little wealth and prestige, as well as the reverse, with much wealth and prestige. Except for a few falls from grace, he had maintained his balance in life and devotion to God, whilst commanding the army and ruling Israel.
Because of the perpetual pace and input into our life and minds these days, it is profitable to refocus on loving God, and give Him praise in all stages and circumstances in life, in which we find ourselves. Psalm 40:16, 17 “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified!” But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.”
Dear God, I have been lifted up by contemplating you, and have found the answer to my needs for every level and area of my body, mind and soul. In the strength given by You, I will faithfully endeavour to always maintain a relationship with You, as the ‘treasure’ in my ‘heart’ and essential component in my daily functioning. Psalm 42: 1, 2 “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Amen and Amen.