Day 3: Firm and secure
Blessed are those You choose and bring near to live in Your courts! We are filled with the good things of Your house, of Your holy temple (Psalm 65:4).
Our Father in heaven, in his inspired utterance Agur son of Jakeh prayed, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).
At the heart of Agur's request was the desire that nothing— neither plenty nor want— would distract him from God. He understood that the most important thing in life was the privilege and the blessing of "living in Your courts."
The apostle James taught the same principle when he wrote, Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business (James 1:9-11).
O Father, help us to grasp the true message of this Scripture! The apostle was not advocating poverty and recommending that those in humble circumstances never aspire to, or work toward, financial betterment. Neither was he disparaging the rich. Rather, he was teaching us that our material circumstances are irrelevant to our true position and standing.
Whatever our earthly circumstances are at any given time, rich or poor, temporary or long-term, it is only our eternal standing in Christ that matters. Thus an adjustment in perspective is needed— for both rich and poor— so that each understands, with hope and sobriety, the reality of our true position.
We know that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17). But You want us to maintain perspective on our earthly blessings: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17).
Lord, today, we pray for those who are struggling with financial difficulties. And we pray for those who, though rich in the things of this world, are battling loneliness and emptiness. Thank You that regardless of our circumstances, You will not cast out the one who comes to You (John 6:37).
Thank You for drawing us through grace, by faith, into Your holy temple— near Your altar. Thank You that we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). Help us to see ourselves and others through Your eyes of grace— not through eyes of insecurity or arrogance.
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