The Blessin’ Trap
Well, hello, there, friend! I’m plum glad you wandered on up to this here ol’ front porch for a spell. I was just sittin’ here watchin’ a squirrel tryin’ to bury a pecan in a flowerpot like it was hidin’ state secrets, and I thought, “Well now, this is the perfect moment for company.” So, pull up a rockin’ chair. Let’s talk about somethin’ that matters. We’re about to stroll through Scripture like we’re walking down a dusty country road with a jug plum full of sweet tea in one hand and a whole lot of truth in the other. Deuteronomy 6:10-12, where God reminds His people that He’s about to bless their socks off with cities they didn’t build, wells they didn’t dig, and orchards they didn’t plant. And tucked plum right in the middle of all that goodness is a warnin’ that’ll preach: “Be careful not to forget the LORD.”
And, friend, isn’t that just like us? We holler for God like a rooster at sunrise when life gits to fallin’ apart, but the minute things smooth out, we wander on off again like a lil’ ol’ goat that spotted a hole in the fence. That’s why Psalm 119:67 says, “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.” And to deepen this truth even more, let’s add James 1:2-4, where we’re told to “count it all joy” when trials come because they grow us up and strengthen our faith.
Now let me tell you, adversity may feel about as welcome as a real shook up ol’ skunk that got discovered at a lawn party, but it’s one of God’s favorite classrooms. C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pain.” And, friend, He sure does. Pain gets our attention faster than a lil’ ol’ squirrel that just realized it outran and got away from an ol’ huntin’ hound dog.
But prosperity, well, that’s another critter entirely. Prosperity can make us puff up like an ol’ proud bullfrog sittin’ on a lily pad. We start thinkin’ we’re the ones who made the blessin’s happen. We forget we’re stewards, not owners. Every doggone thing we have is on loan from the Lord, and He expects us to handle it with gratitude, humility, and dependence.
Just look at Acts 12. When James was killed, and Peter was locked up, the church prayed like their hair was on fire because they knew only God could break those chains. But when life gets easy, prayer sometimes gits to slippin’ to the back porch like an ol’ tom cat nappin’ in the shade of the pecan tree.
Adversity keeps us real grounded. Prosperity tries to make us go to forgittin’. And God uses both of those areas to be shapin’ us into the kind of people who can remember where every blessin’ comes from.
Friend, life will be handin’ you seasons that feel like a barnstorm and others that feel like a gentle breeze. But both are real good invitations to be leanin’ into the Lord. Blessin’s aren’t proof that we’re strong. Hardships aren’t proof that we’re weak. They’re both reminders that God is the One who is ultimately holdin’ onto the reins. And when we can remember that, we will be walkin’ steadier, standin’ taller, and trustin’ deeper.
Father, thank You for every blessing You’ve poured into my life and every hardship that’s shaped me better. Help me remember You in the sunshine and the storms. Keep my heart humble, my hands grateful, and my eyes fixed on You. Teach me to trust You whether I’m in a season of plenty or a season of pruning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, there it is, friend! Go on and step on into your day remembering that whether you’re struttin’ like an ol’ overconfident barnyard rooster or limpin’ around like a three-legged raccoon, God’s the One who is carryin’ you, keepin’ you, and blessin’ you. And that’s worth more than all the wells, vineyards, and olive trees that this ol’ world has to offer.
With joy,
Gwen
