Those who are rich oft make to boast in their riches, as though God has shown them some kind of special favor, or (possibly even worse) that they have singly become rich all on their own wisdom and strength.
Both are prideful.
There are times when the Lord God has indeed favorably blessed the righteous, His people, but the confusion comes when people assume that by any power of their own to please God, He has blessed them.
Riches, if anything, only make us more indebted to the Lord! We pity those who have little in this life, but if the soul has Christ, that is all the riches they ever need!
The Lord has blessed me so much; in months long past, He saw fit to give me a cup of sorrow and pain in order to make me more completely depend on Him, and now, I am looking back at the past month, and I see plainly that He has blessed my trust in His sovereignty with peace and pleasantness.
Riches are not always jewels, expensive furniture, or pricy clothing; it can be people, experiences, memories... I have these things. I have more than I need - that is expressing it lightly! - and I am more in debt to God than any other creature! I shall never be able to repay Him for all of these glorious gifts, yet He gives them to me anyway!
Lord, keep me humble. Remind me always that I am undeserving; that I owe You my all! All I can really do when You grant me such lovely things is fall on my knees and thank You! I asked for a roof and You gave me a palace; I asked for some bread and water and You gave me a feast; I asked for a rose and You gave me a garden. Always, You give and give and give! And Your stores of treasures are no more depleted with each gift. It humbles me to receive Your generous graces, and points me to Your power and lovingkindness. May I never idolize these precious treasures and forget the Giver of them, but in humility, bring all the praise before You, that the world may see, and fear and rejoice in You, the Almighty God!
To God be the glory; He is faithful and full of lovingkindness - He is the true riches!
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