Scripture

Job 29:1, 18-20 (NLT)

Job continued speaking…”I thought, ‘ Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life. For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew. New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.'”

Consider

Is there such a thing as being too blessed? Can an abundance of good things be bad for us?

Like Job, we can get so comfortable in the goodness of our lives that we expect our blessings to continue indefinitely. A sudden crisis can therefore take us by surprise and throw our faith into a tailspin. Like Job, we might metaphorically shake our fist at God and demand an explanation. “Why this, God? How could you let this happen? I thought you loved me.”

The way we respond to a crisis has a lot to do with how we typically handle our blessings. Do we take the time to notice all the ways that God loves and cares for us on a daily basis? Are we grateful, or have repeated blessings merely raised our level of expectation?

How we attend to our blessings can predict how we will respond to a crisis:

• Focusing on the BLESSED (Me) leads me into a sense of entitlement. I believe I somehow deserve blessings and expect to continue receiving them. When crisis strikes, I feel betrayed, hurt, and angry. I doubt God’s love for me and question God’s trustworthiness.
• Focusing on the BLESSING (the Good Thing) leads me into greed and addiction. I want more and more good things because my happiness depends on them. When crisis strikes, I feel scared and deprived. I blame God for being cruel and look for ways to recover what I have lost.
• Focusing on the BLESSOR (God) leads me into humility and gratitude. The goodness I experience reinforces my understanding of God’s good and loving nature and generous care of me. When crisis strikes, I remember how much God loves me. I stay open to God and trust the Holy Spirit to lead me through the crisis.

This same principle applies to blessings and crises in our human relationships as well. When we are in the habit of accepting goodness from others without much thought, we are apt to turn resentful or anxious when the goodness stops flowing. If, however, we take time to notice the gifts and appreciate the givers, we will be better equipped to handle the inevitable human failings and frustrations when they come along.

Pray

FATHER, I fail to recognize the blessings you shower on me every day. I go about my business expecting goodness to surround me as though it is my right. Forgive me for taking your good gifts and not noticing your loving hand reaching out to me. Thank you for the people in my life who give to me so generously; temper my selfishness with humility and gratitude for them.

Reflect

2 Kings 6:15-17; Psalm 145:13-16

Ponder

How might memorizing Scripture help prepare you for a crisis?