The Danger of Ease

By Fatoki Ifeoluwa

Devotional Reading: “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’” Proverbs 30:8-9

Everybody prays for moments of ease and abundance. However, ease has the tendency to be accompanied by complacence. Proverbs records a prayer about our desire for more. Agur, a sage from Solomon’s court, said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’” (30:8-9). Do you see the danger in the comfort that usually accompanies having more than we need?

During Solomon’s time, the Israelites experienced unprecedented prosperity and security as a result of the political influence and economic flourishing they experienced during his reign. At the same time, they were seeking the Lord less and less as their comfort and security increased. They may have even enjoyed life too much! (Not unlike today, right?)

God is a generous Father who promises to meet all our genuine needs. This may include material prosperity, physical and emotional health, and loving relationships. No one wants to be poor or experience loss in either health or significant relationships. But Scripture teaches us that sometimes the things we want may be harmful to our relationships with God or with others, so God says “no.”

Like Agur, we must pray for God to give us the discernment we need to know and accept his will for us in all things. God desires to help us find peace in our lives by wanting less and giving more. Only when we have this peace, can we truly enjoy all round prosperity.

Prayer and Confession
Father, thank You for Your promises to meet all my needs. Please grant me the discernment to know Your will for me in all things.

Further Reading: Philippians 4:10-20