Our Days Of Prosperity And Adversity

We live in a day and age when most folks take things for granted. Often, we tend to overlook God’s countless blessings in our lives and even forget “all His benefits” (Ps 103:2). Many people, even professing believers, don’t spend time in prayers (1 Thes 5:17), to give God the glory (1 Cor 10:31), praises (Php 1:11), and thanksgiving (Ps 107:1). It’s easy to get so comfortable and forget to appreciate our health, daily provisions, or the protection that comes from God! Solomon encourages us to be joyful “in the day of prosperity.” 

When we experience an abundance of things and thriving, we must rejoice by acknowledging that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (Jms 1:17). We must always thank God for His blessings (Eph 5:20). Instead of focusing on the things we lack, we need to have a spirit of gratitude (1 Tim 6:8), for all the things that we already have! It deepens our understanding of God’s “perfect will” (Rom 12:2), and “His own purpose” (2 Tim 1:9), for our lives. We are further instructed that “in the day of adversity consider.”

 Adversity is the condition of having calamity or distress (Ps 35:15). Solomon tells us to “consider,” rather than quitting or giving up. We are to take a moment to “be still” (Ps 46:10), and reflect upon all the adversities that we have either experienced or are currently undergoing (Isa 32:2). Because we usually learn more (Jms 1:3), in trying times than we do in prosperity! Sometimes, He allows adversity to get our attention (Ps 34:19). At other times, He simply wants us to know that He is in control of everything (Isa 41:10). Regardless, we become stronger spiritually (1 Pet 4:12), when we meditate on God’s purpose (Rom 8:28), and all His doings (Ps 77:12). Let’s learn “to be content” (Php 4:11), and relax upon God’s grace! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera