Monday, May 19, 2008

Less is More

LESS IS MORE
Psalm 81:6-16
v. 10: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."


Brian was having a great year playing baseball. He was hitting a home run every game. He was the team’s fastest runner, and had the most stolen bases. His uncle, the Grizzly’s coach, showed his Dad the stat sheet. Brian had the most runs scored and his name was engraved on a plaque in the school’s awards display case.

Everybody thought Brian was so blessed. Besides, he was well-liked—by kids and teachers. He had everything going his way. Then, in the championship game, he slid home. His spiked athletic shoe gripped the plate, instead of gliding over it. His momentum carried him forward, crushing his ankle. Spikes are necessary when needing to grip the turf. Brian didn't do anything wrong.



We tend to think of blessings as new benefits God showers on us for us to enjoy. In our minds, “blessing” has become synonymous with “gift”, hasn’t it? Many believers may be surprised to learn that sometimes God blesses us by taking things away. How can God bless me by giving me LESS?

These thoughts reveal a problem. Our pride boasts to us that we know what’s best. We constantly reach for more of the good things. It worked before, so continue doing what has worked. Don’t coaches tell players to practice correct form so that the technique grows consistent? Before long, your batting stroke feels natural, something you can do without thinking.

This perspective works well for some things, but can also be short sighted. We cannot see the whole picture. God knows our past as well as our future, and only He knows particular things that will bless rather than curse us. Sometimes, the best thing He can “give” is to take something away.

Brian’s ankle healed. It became stronger because of the careful physical therapy his doctor prescribed. He spent his summer going to Vacation Bible School and growing closer to his Savior. He made a new friend at VBS who had moved into the area. They became allies, going out for football in the fall.



Did God ever remove something from you? Did you learn to thank Him in your disappointment?

Take Home Nugget


The Lord isn’t Santa Claus. Sometimes, in His wisdom He chooses to bless with less, or by taking something away. It’s not easy to thank Him in our disappointment, but that is the best thing we can do—despite our uncertainty.


As we said previously, God works in our best interest. The constant is God’s goodness and faithfulness—our challenge is to trust and obey Him. Trusting Him will build our faith. May God bless you and keep you. May He smile on you and keep you in His peace.


There are times when things are taken away.
Disappointment bubbles up; hearts show weakness.
Thanking God holds anger at bay,
Replacing our pride with meekness.

J.D. Griffith



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