Times of Plenty

Deuteronomy 8:11  “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.

When we are really in need, or dreading something, it is easy to pray. We get down on our face and pray that God will help us. We need him, so we cry out. We pray, we weep, we plead, we make promises. And we do it because we want God’s help. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact, God encourages us to come to him: Psalms 34:6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.

But what about when times are good? It’s a little easier to go into cruise control when we aren’t facing any giants. And that is exactly what Moses is warning the Israelites about in today’s verse.

We need to be just as diligent in our prayer life in times of plenty as in times of need. Don’t forget the blessings of God, rejoice in them! Here’s a tip from your Uncle Jer, staying close to God in the good times means you are better prepared for the bad times.

Keep close to God in good times and bad. It’s worth it!

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 5,6; Psalm 43; Mark 14