The Day of Prosperity

    In the day of prosperity, we should be joyful and thankful.  God has given it to us for our pleasure, and He likewise delights in our pleasure.  What things do you have to be thankful for in your life right now?
    Even in the most trying times, our life could always be worse.  As Solomon says about our physical circumstances, "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" (Proverbs 15:17).  And about the state of our soul, he says: "Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud" (Proverbs 16:19).  And during our times of happiness and prosperity, we should give our praise to God.  "Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp" (Psalm 147:7).  (Or for the non-harpists out there, use your other talents that the Lord has bestowed.)  :-)
    But we should never forget that the day of prosperity is just that--a day.  It is not likely to last.  In regards to prosperity and adversity, the King James Version translates our opening passage: "God also hath set the one over against the other."  Both prosperity and adversity follow one another.  We know nothing about our future other than this truth.  Yet, we should consider "it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).
    All too often, we drift apart from God during our times of prosperity, and then we seek Him during our times of trouble.  But we should walk with Him at all times, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant.  So if you are currently in a time of prosperity, consider this a time of preparation, a time to embrace so that you may develop a closer relationship with God when the trials and difficulties come.  When they do, will you be ready?

The Day of Adversity