“Do not give me poverty and wealth! Feed me with the bread intended for me.” — Proverbs 30:8
In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof”, the main character Tevye talks frankly with God about the way the world is set up: “You made a lot of poor people. I understand, of course, that there is no shame in being poor. But it is not honorable! What would be wrong with a little more luck? . . . Will the great eternal plan be disturbed if I become rich?”
Centuries before Sholom Aleichem put these words into Tevye’s mouth, Agur uttered an equally heartfelt but completely different prayer, preserved for us in the Book of Proverbs. Agur asked God not to give him either poverty or wealth, but to feed him with “the bread intended for [him]” (Prov. 30:8). Agur knew that if he received too much, he would become arrogant and turn into a godless man who saw no need for God. At the same time, he asked God not to allow him to become poor, so that he does not begin to steal and slander God’s Name (v. 9). Agur understood that God was his only provider, so he asked Him just as much as he needed for his daily needs. His prayer reflects the desire to be with God and to have the satisfaction that can be found only in Him.
Let us have the same attitude. Everything we have is a gift from God. Let us try to use His gifts wisely and live before Him with gratitude in our hearts. Because the Lord gives us not only what is necessary, but also much more.
How can you seek God and find satisfaction in Him? How do you express your gratitude for His faithfulness?
God, You are the giver of all good things. Help me to be satisfied with all that You give.
“I bring to my memory your unfeigned faith, which first settled in your grandmother Loida and your mother Eunice.” — 2 Timothy 1:5
A study conducted among believers in the United States in 2019 showed that the spiritual development of many respondents was greatly influenced by their mothers and grandmothers. About two-thirds of those from Christian families said that their mother played a major role in shaping their faith, and one-third pointed to a grandmother or grandfather (usually a grandmother).
The author of the report noted: “Again and again, our research shows the invaluable influence of mothers on… the spiritual development of children.” We find confirmation of this in the Bible.
In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul noted that the young minister’s faith was shaped by the example he saw in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). This poignant reminiscence shows the profound influence two women had on one of the leaders of the early church. This opinion can also be seen in another passage, where Paul calls on Timothy: “Try in this what you have been taught… you have known the Holy Scriptures from childhood” (2 Tim. 3:14-15).
A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. Even if we did not have such a blessing in our lives as Timothy, there were probably still people who made an important contribution to our spiritual formation. And it is even more important if we ourselves show others our honest faith and leave a good legacy.
Who had a significant influence on your spiritual formation? How can you encourage others in their faith?
Heavenly Father, thank you for those people in my life who have become an example of sincere faith for me.
“[Jonathan] was upset for David because his father had wronged him.” — 1 Samuel 20:34
The English poet William Cooper (1731–1800) found a friend in the person of pastor John Newton (1725–1807), a former slave trader. Cooper suffered from depression and attempted suicide several times. Newton visited him periodically, and they walked for a long time, talking about God. Once Newton had the idea that it would be useful for his friend to be creative, and he suggested that he compile a collection of spiritual hymns. Cooper agreed and wrote many songs that later became famous, including “God Works in Mysterious Ways.” When Newton moved to another city, they remained friends and corresponded until Cooper’s death.
I see parallels between the strong friendship of Newton and Cooper and the friendship of Jonathan and David in the Old Testament. After David’s victory over Goliath, “Jonathan’s soul connected with David’s soul, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1). Although Jonathan was King Saul’s son, he protected David from his father’s jealousy and anger. In response, Saul in his fury even “threw a spear at [Jonathan] to kill him” (1 Sam. 20:33). Jonathan shunned the weapon and was very upset because of the unfair treatment of his friend (v. 34).
David’s friendship with Jonathan and Newton’s with Cooper gave them vitality to support each other in the love of God and in serving Him. And how can you support your friend today?
What role does friendship play in your life? How can you show God’s love to your friends and strengthen them in faith?
Lord Jesus, help me to enjoy friendship and communication with You.
“Where is the road that the light dwells on? And the darkness – where is its place..?” — Job 38:19
William Shatner played Captain Kirk in the TV series “Star Trek”, but he was not ready for a real space flight. He called his eleven-minute suborbital flight “the most impressive experience imaginable.” After exiting the capsule, Shatner enthused: “Seeing the blue disappear and looking at the total blackness is a little bit unbelievable… Where the blue from below changes to the black above… it’s a very beautiful and subtle color and you go through it in an instant.”
Our planet is a blue dot surrounded by complete darkness. It is a little uncomfortable to realize this. Shatner said that the moment the blue sky turned black, it was a flight to death. “One moment – and there it is, death! That’s what I saw. It was very exciting. Something incredible.”
Shatner’s impressive flight allows you to look at life from the perspective of the universe. We are small objects in the universe, but we are loved by the One who created the light and separated it from the darkness (Gen. 1:3-4). Heavenly Father knows the abode of darkness and the paths that lead to it (Job 38:19-20). He “founded the earth… when all the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God raised a joyful cry” (vv. 4-7).
Let us entrust our little lives to God, who holds the whole universe in His hands.
What comes to mind when you think of the vastness of space? What does the night sky say about God?
Heavenly Father, You rule this world and everything beyond it. I trust in Your strong love.
“Death engulfed in victory!” — 1 Corinthians 15:54
The story of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges tells about the Roman soldier Mark Rufe, who drank water from a secret river and became immortal. However, over time, Mark realizes that immortality is not at all what he imagined it to be. A life without limits turned out to be a life without meaning. It is death that gives meaning to life. Mark finds an antidote – a stream of clean water. After drinking from it, he injures his hand on a thorn. The drop of blood that appears marks the return of mortality.
Like Mark, we also sometimes think with despair about the extinction of life and the inevitability of death (Ps. 87:4). And one can agree that death gives meaning and significance to life. However, the similarity ends there. Unlike Mark, we know that the true meaning of our lives is the death of Christ. With the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, He conquered death (1 Cor. 15:54). His “living water” became our antidote (John 4:10). For those who drank it, all the laws of life, death and immortality change (1 Cor. 15:52).
Yes, we cannot avoid physical death, but it is not important for us. The Lord Jesus freed us from the fear of death (Heb. 2:11-15). In Christ we are guaranteed eternal life and meaningful joy in heaven.
What worries you? What are your thoughts on death? How does 1 Corinthians 15 encourage you?
God, help me to accept Your promises of eternal life with You.
“Why, my soul, are you sad?… Have hope in God.” — Psalm 42:5
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Morning” is an unusual Christmas carol based on a poem written by Henry Longfellow in 1863. Instead of the expected celebration and joy, the lyrics of the song resemble crying.
“I am sad from the noise of the holiday And longing gripped my heart: What kind of peace is there when hatred is everywhere? In the midst of pain and evil, how will I celebrate?” However, then crying is replaced by hope, because “The Lord did not die, did not sleep, did not hide, Having put on a body, He descended to earth; The light of salvation shone in man, Favor has been given to us forever.”
The theme of hope born from weeping is prominent in many biblical psalms of weeping. One of them is Psalm 42. It begins with the psalmist complaining about the threats of his enemies (v. 1), and God seems to have forgotten him (v. 2). However, then the author stops complaining and turns his gaze to God, whom he does not fully understand, but whom he trusts: “Why, my soul, are you sad, and why are you worried about me? Have hope in God, because I will still thank Him for His salvation, my God!” (v. 5).
There are many reasons to cry in life. They appear regularly. However, if we come to the God of hope with all this, our weeping will turn into a song of praise, even if we sing through tears.
What worries you now? Based on the Bible’s testimony, how can God give you hope in this season of life?
Father, I cry out to You because I am suffering under the burdens of life. Remind me that my help comes from above, from the Creator of heaven and earth.
“Let love not be hypocritical; hate evil and cling to good!” — Romans 12:9
When we park our car near a wasteland and walk home through it, we almost always bring weed seeds with us, especially in the fall. Little “companions” cling to clothes, shoes and things to get to new places of stay. This is the natural way many weeds throughout the world spread their seeds.
Carefully removing these seeds from my belongings, I often remember the Apostle Paul’s call to believers in Jesus: “Cling to what is good” (Rom. 12:9). When we try to love others, we know how difficult it is. However, the Holy Spirit helps us with all our strength to hold on to what is good, and therefore we are able to show “unfeigned” love (v. 9).
Weed seeds cannot be simply shaken off by hand. It holds tightly to the fabric. If we focus on the good and remember God’s commandments of mercy and compassion, then with His help we will be able to stay close to those we love. God helps us to “[love] one another with brotherly love” and to put other people’s needs before our own (v. 10).
Yes, weeds are a problem. However, they also remind me of the fact that the Lord has called me to serve my neighbors with love and with His help to “cling to good” (v. 9; see also Phil. 4:8-9).
How can the exhortation to hold on to the good help you love a friend or relative with a difficult personality? Why is true love also persistent love?
Lord Jesus, remind me of the need to hold on to the good with all my might. I desire to reflect Your love to others.
“The Lord is my rock… He is my tower and my refuge! My Savior.” — 2 Samuel 22:2-3
A basketball match between teams of sixth graders was held in the school gym. While parents cheered on their boys in the stands, younger brothers and sisters played in the school lobby. Suddenly the lights flashed and the sound of sirens was heard. The fire alarm went off. After a few seconds, children ran to the gym in search of their parents.
There was no fire; the alarm went off accidentally. However, I was impressed by the children’s behavior. Sensing danger, they immediately ran to their parents. What a wonderful picture of children’s confidence in those who could give them a sense of safety and security in their moments of fear!
The Bible tells of a time when David felt great fear. King Saul and other numerous enemies (2 Sam. 22:1) pursued him everywhere. However, the Lord saved him from all threats, and a grateful David sang a song of praise about God’s help: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress… He is my Savior” (v. 2). When the “snares of Sheol” and “deadly snares” (v. 6) entangled him, he called out to God, and God heard him (v. 7). In the end, David proclaimed: “He saved me” (vv. 18, 20, 49).
In times of fear and uncertainty, we can run to the “rock” (v. 32). If we cry to God, He gives us shelter (vv. 2-3).
What fear are you trying to deal with right now? How can God help you deal with it?
Dear God, when I am afraid, remind me of the need to trust You, rely on You, and glorify Your Name.
