Remember…

 

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way. Deuteronomy 8:2.

My morning’s devotions listed a passsage from the Book of Wisdom, reminding me of how many times God has answered my questions, guided me, and sometimes chastised me. In that instance, He used the Book of Wisdom to express his opinion of my desire for extra money during a financial crisis.

After eighteen years of employment, my second husband’s company laid everyone off. Unemployment and my part-time job were not enough to provide for our needs and financial obligations. The wolves were circling and looked as though they would get in and destroy everything we had worked for. 

I thought about the lottery.  I didn’t desire, or dream of millions, just a few thousand, or several hundred, just enough I wouldn’t worry about buying groceries, clothing, gas, or other necessities.

As I headed out of the house, intending to hit the market and buy a ticket, I passed my Bible still laying on the dining table from my morning devotions. A compulsion led me to open it and read the first Scripture it opened to — the Book of Wisdom.  The words seemed to lift from the page.

 Pray for wisdom as if it were money.

 This passage followed the first: And if riches be desired in life, what is richer than wisdom, which maketh all things? Wisdom 8:5.

I didn't buy a lottery ticket that day, but I still thought about it from time to time, and God sent me a dream.

The details were precise, clear, as if watching a video. My husband and headed across the parking lot of our local grocery store. The wind picked up, blowing debris around. A small piece of paper slapped the side of my face. It was a lottery ticket for that evening’s drawing. I clutched the paper, convinced it was the winner. 

With that thought, everything went black. When I opened my eyes, I was lying flat on my back on the tarmac.  

I looked at my husband. “What happened?”

“You were struck by lightning.”

My precious lottery ticket! I opened my hand. Only black ash remained.

Winning the lottery was not God’s plan for my life. He wants me to trust Him, not wealth. I may hear wolves sniffing at the door from time to time, but they will not get in, or if they do, they won’t destroy everything.  God has, and will, continue to provide enough for my basic existence (and often more) for as long as I walk this earth. There lies my wealth, far richer than anything the world can provide, and it seems He is not averse to reminding me, frequently, of that fact and the many other lessons He has taught me.

We've always had enough food, clothing, gas and most other necessities. Sometimes the money came in unexpected, miraculous ways as I’ve recounted in other posts such as The Miracle Turkey and Insurance. 

Dear Lord, thank You for your loving compassion and provision, and even for the reminders and lessons You send. Amen.

If I Hadn't ...

Photo from PublicDomainPictures @ Pixabay

If I hadn’t gone through years of domestic violence, a rough divorce, and buried two husbands, would I appreciate my current husband and happy marriage as much as I do?

If I hadn’t suffered several life-threatening illnesses, would I be as thankful for my present good health?

If I hadn’t struggled with years of financial difficulties, would I appreciate my current financial stability?

If I hadn’t worked at several stressful jobs, would I appreciate and enjoy my retirement as much?

Without God’s compassion and support, could I see the world as a wonderful place filled with miracles?

Rainbows come after a storm. Silence is more noticeable after loud noises. Joy is more recognizable after sorrow, health after illness, wealth after poverty.

Through these, God has taught me where true happiness lies — in the simple things: coffee at sunrise with my devotions, chatting with my husband, walking with Cooper in the early morning and at sunset, keeping in touch with friends and family, and the time and ability to pursue my passions.

I think of Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole’s hit song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He combines Somewhere Over the Rainbow with What a Wonderful World, two of my favorite songs. They represent every blessing God has given me — the things most precious in this life.

As Melanie Rigny wrote in Living Faith, “What do you want to present when you face the Lord: a list of what you owed, or a list of whom you loved?”

I am included in that list. Have I forgiven myself as I have forgiven others? Have I cared for my needs? Have I allowed myself to rest?  Have I given myself permission to be happy?  

Thank you, Lord, for leading me through life's difficulties toward true happiness, which includes loving myself. My joy overflows and spreads out to others, enveloping them in the same love you give me. Amen.

Money, Money, Money

For the first time in my life, I feel wealthy. I know the few thousand we garnered after selling our home is not real wealth, but it sure feels like it. For the first time in my adult life I need not count every penny, or wonder if I can buy toothpaste before payday.

However, it’s a fleeting security. I am only one disaster away from losing it all.

But, I am not worried, nor am I fretting. God has rescued me from financial catastrophes, health crises, and other troubles when there didn’t seem to be a way. Why should He stop now? It is Him I need to trust, not a savings account. Yet, it could be easy to fixate on that number, coveting it above all other things.

People often misquote St. Paul. He did not say money is the root of all evil. In 1 Timothy 6:10 he states, “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.”

Psalm 48:7,8,11-12 continues with this: “They that trust in their own strength and glory in the multitude of their riches, no -brother can redeem... And they shall leave their riches to strangers...”

I want to be a good steward of the abundance God has blessed me with, but I will not become attached to it, at least I am praying I don’t. I need to trust The Provider and not that which He provided. It is an object no one should worship, hoard, or covet. Those are the sins of wealth St. Paul warns against. 

Diamonds are not a girl’s best friend. God is.