How can we maintain humility and gratitude during prosperous times? Psalm 30:6—Self-Assurance Exposed “In prosperity I said, ‘I will never be shaken.’ ” Prosperity’s Subtle Temptations • Comfort dulls spiritual alertness; we assume today’s abundance guarantees tomorrow’s security. • Independence replaces dependence: “I will never be shaken” slips in almost unnoticed. • Gratitude fades; entitlement grows. Remember Who Gave the Increase • Deuteronomy 8:17-18—“You may say in your heart, ‘My power…’; but remember the LORD… gives you power to gain wealth.” • 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive?” • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Practical takeaways: – Trace every paycheck, promotion, or peaceful season back to God’s hand. – Speak it aloud: “Lord, this success is Yours.” Invite God to Check Your Heart • Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me, O God…” • Proverbs 30:8-9—“Give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ ” Habits that help: – Begin days with confession of dependence. – End days reviewing where pride tried to creep in. Keep Thanksgiving Flowing Bullet-list the blessings—big and small—then thank Him specifically. • Colossians 3:17—do everything “giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” • Psalm 103:2—“Forget not all His benefits.” Tips: – Write a weekly gratitude journal. – Share testimonies at the dinner table or small group. – Sing thank-you songs, not just request songs. Turn Blessings Outward Generosity crushes self-importance. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—command the rich “to be generous and willing to share.” • Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Ways to practice: – Set a giving percentage that rises as income rises. – Support missions, mercy ministries, local church needs. – Volunteer skills, not only money. Stay Rooted in Worship and Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—stimulate one another to love and good works. • Psalm 34:3—“Magnify the LORD with me.” Why it matters: – Corporate worship recenters the focus on God’s greatness. – Accountability friends spot pride blind-spots we miss. Hold Success with Open Hands David’s next line reminds us: “O LORD, when You hid Your face, I was terrified.” (Psalm 30:7) Prosperity is temporary; God’s favor is permanent. Keep saying: 1. Everything I have comes from Him. 2. Everything I enjoy is sustained by Him. 3. Everything I am belongs to Him. Live that trio, and prosperity becomes a platform for humble, grateful praise—not self-promotion. |
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