Miscalculating God’s blessing can be a recipe for disaster

Generally I’ve to pinch myself. After I have a look at my spouse and kids, I can’t imagine they’re mine. After I stand earlier than the congregation I serve every week, the privilege of main them overwhelms me. 

After I think about all the straightforward pleasures which might be regularly a part of my routine, joys like sports activities with my youngsters, Bible research, and fellowship meals, I understand simply how a lot I like my life.

Or, to cite King David, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me” (Psalm 16:6). Certainly. And but, earlier than we will have fun our receiving from the Lord, we should first respect our must take refuge in the Lord. “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You,” David wrote, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You” (Psalm 16:1-2).

The order right here is essential as a result of our biggest treasure in life is God Himself, not the blessings He bestows. We should always rely all issues as loss in view of the surpassing worth of figuring out Christ Jesus as Lord (Phil. 3:8). Thus, looking for Him first offers the backdrop upon which the God attracts the nice traces of our existence (Matt. 6:33).

In truth, the second we prioritize the presents of Heaven, we’ll most assuredly miss the Giver behind the mercies we get pleasure from. I typically marvel how a lot of God’s benevolence I’ve missed just because I discovered better safety in myself. Taking refuge in Christ, you see, shouldn’t be lower than receiving safety from our enemies, however it’s extra.

Trusting God for alternatives to expertise His blessings can be an expression of confidence in His take care of us. Realizing that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,” Christians can relaxation within the security and provision of the Lord (James 1:17). Doing so prevents us from on the lookout for that which is nice exterior of the desire of God.

Essentially, each temptation woos us to pursue what’s noble via dishonorable means. By perverting legit wishes and ambitions, the enemy entices us to satisfy acceptable longings in inappropriate methods. Pay shut consideration to the primary act of non secular sedition in Eden’s Backyard and you’ll shortly discover Eve wrestling with the dilemma of believing God or trusting her instincts.

Tragically, as a result of the fruit of the forbidden tree was good for meals … a delight to the eyes … and fascinating to make one clever, the primary girl fell for the lie that the trail to true happiness and satisfaction exists exterior of God’s directives (Gen. 3:6). Fulfilling the suitable aspirations within the unsuitable approach is all the time a recipe for catastrophe.

How typically are we responsible of the identical miscalculation? Failing to take refuge within the Lord inevitably leads to misguided transgressions geared toward private contentment and gratification. Dishonest can tarnish our pursuit of success. Satisfaction can pollute our wholesome wishes. Selfishness can soil our greatest deeds. Unfettered rage can blemish even our most becoming phrases. And our pursuit of justice can fall quick due to revengeful bitterness.

In every occasion, we knowingly or unknowingly select to step exterior of the Lord’s gracious refuge. For this reason relationship {couples} select to hunt intimacy (which is nice) by defiling their marriage mattress (Heb. 13:4). For this reason homosexuals seek for love (which is nice) by stepping exterior the boundaries of nature and Scripture (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:Sept. 11). For this reason folks work onerous to care for his or her households (which is nice) by trusting within the uncertainty of riches (1 Tim. 6:17).

On and on it goes, however far too simply we belief within the pursuit of God’s blessings greater than God Himself. All the pieces really good in our lives will originate from God and will likely be per His character. Sadly, we regularly miss the abundance of God’s greatest as a result of we prematurely take issues into our personal palms. Those that discover refuge within the Lord are safe sufficient to belief no matter He provides, every time He chooses to present it. Then, and solely then, will the traces which define our lives be splendidly nice and satisfying.