Page 77 - Grace150 Devotional

Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest
I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and
profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30: 8–9

Nursery stories provide the right touch for children. The tale of “Goldilocks
and the Three Bears” has porridge from three different bowls—one too hot, one
too cold, and one just right. The prized bowl is between the two extremes. Many
Christians place pressure on themselves to live at extremes of beauty, wealth, and
fame. Today’s verse brings out the importance of living right in the middle—
neither rich nor poor.
God knows the danger in both extremes. First, dependence on God goes out the
window as we seek the life riches provide. Could it be God is gracious to have
us live with modest means where we depend upon the Lord for our daily bread,
singing and truly meaning, “I need thee every hour”?
On the other extreme is poverty which can lead to desperation. The writer of
Proverbs 30 ponders the possibility of stealing to survive, but it would destroy
our profession that Christ is our king. The writer feels temptation lurks at both
extremes.
What does this striking caution tell us about the human heart? Divine grace has
a way of filling our heart with only the thing that satisfies. We need less stuff and
more contentment in the provisions of Christ. Let’s praise the Savior who feeds us
daily provisions of grace, hope, and joy.

Lord, give us what is truly needful for us so that we can completely trust
You for tomorrow. Satisfy us with Your goodness as we live in the middle of
extremes. Forgive us for believing that the world’s goods will fill us when we
know You are truly enough.
– Pastor Kerry Frantz

devotions for the journey DAY 70