Deuteronomy 6:11-12 “When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

This is an ongoing problem with mankind. When we’re in trouble we cry out to God, but when we have it easy, we forget Him. That’s hardly the way to have the ongoing, mutually satisfying relationship with Him that He desires and we need. Even a cursory look at those who have “hit it big” in things like lotteries shows that an abundance can be a curse! James said that the materially poor have been chosen to be rich in faith, and that’s the better deal in the long run by far. (James 2:5) A major reason for the moral mess America is in right now is the material abundance she has enjoyed for so many years. Just as this passage warns, “easy street” is often the road away from God. When finances are our criterion for happiness, we are in deep trouble, because as Jesus said so succinctly, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) The ultimate testimony of faith in this area is found in Habakkuk 3:17-18. He had the faith to rejoice in God even when he had nothing at all. God does bless those who trust in Him, but we must not let our focus shift from Him to the blessings, or it will all become meaningless.

My life has certainly been an exercise in this. Just the other day I had to submit a copy of my tax return from last year for something, and I was struck with how small the numbers were. However, from the beginning of this year we have started receiving pension payments, and since I’m still healthy and working, our income for this year looks to be more than double last year. That’s dangerous territory! The additional funds have made it possible for us to travel more than in previous years, as well as reduce financial stress, but I must not forget that we are still just as dependent on the grace of God as we ever were. Thinking about it, that’s a major danger in government entitlements of all sorts, because when we’re expecting the government to provide for us, we aren’t recognizing our dependence on God. The thing is, an objective look at the pension/social security situation in either Japan or the US should make us aware that the funds could dry up at any time! God is my supply in everything, and I must never forget it. That is far safer than relying on anything else!

Father, I do thank You for Your abundant provision in every area. Help me be a good steward of all You provide, not just materially but spiritually and emotionally as well. Help me make the use of each thing that You intend, so that Your purposes may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!