‘Heavenly Father, If I should suffer need, and go unclothed, and be in poverty, make my heart prize Thy love, know it, be constrained by it, though I be denied all blessings. It is Thy mercy to afflict and try me with wants, for by these trials I see my sins, and desire severance from them. Let me willingly accept misery, sorrows, temptations, if I can thereby feel sin as the greatest evil, and be delivered from it with gratitude to Thee, acknowledging this as the highest testimony of Thy love.’ – Valley of Vision
I am never more aware I am a citizen of another Kingdom than when I search for security, belonging, wealth, and reward from the kingdom of this world. Jesus says those who seek an earthly reward receive just that (Matt 6:1, 2, 5, 16). I find all the promises of this earthly kingdom like chasing after the wind (Ecc 1:14), in comparison to the blessing of living in the Kingdom of God:
‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…’ Ephesians 1:3
Lord, whether poverty or wealth, let the kingdom of this world lift our eyes to You. You are the Giver of every good and perfect gift and the One we truly desire. In Your name, amen.
Resting,
AB