God gives wisdom to those who are wise; to those who fear Him. Eve had all the wisdom she needed because God had told them specifically do not eat from that tree. Yet it was pleasing to her eye, appeared good for food, and she sought wisdom above the fear of the Lord. She forgot all that she had and pursued the one thing she was told she could not have. Likewise Kings David and Solomon had everything they could have desired and God Himself had even said He would have given more if they would have just asked. But they didn't ask. They coveted and they took what they wanted. In doing so they showed that they did not appreciate what they already had been given by God. Sometimes we can fall into the same trap. We can see what others have and think that we should have it too. We can even reject what God has provided, in search of something else we have created in our hearts. God does nothing by accident beloved. Things and people are brought into our lives for a reason. We ought to be thankful for what God has seen fit to provide for us and not be envious of what we think we need or be ruled by our emotions, which are fleeting in the face of the wisdom of God almighty. God already knows what we need and he will continue to provide as long as we continue to show wisdom in fearing Him and appreciation for all that He has provided for us.
Just look at the key verse from the Prophet Haggai. It can so easily describe us sometimes. We can eat but still be hungry for what we have not. We can drink but not feel quenched. We can put clothes on but not feel warm. We can work but feel empty in our toil. God is reminding us today to give careful thought to our ways. There has to be a balance. We must plant and harvest. We must appreciate and desire. Take a moment today to take inventory of all God has given you and give thanks. When those moments come when we feel ourselves coveting it will do us well to remember all that He has provided for us already. God knows your needs beloved and He has already provided for them. We just have to make sure that we have accepted what He has provided and appreciate them all the more.
Anthony Wade September 5, 2008
