September 5: Trial and Joy, Poverty and Generosity

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Psalm 49:1-20

Proverbs 22:20-21

"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity...they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people."

I read through today's readings a couple of times before the verse above stopped me in my tracks.  Can a people be undergoing severe trial and extreme poverty, yet demonstrate overflowing joy and rich generosity?  Apparently, they can.  I'd love to know how to be joyful during times of crisis and stress, and how to be generous during times of extreme poverty.  Because I will be honest - I do NOT know how.  If you're like me, you will have lived much of your life aspiring to be in control...and aspiring to the degree of financial security necessary to maintain that illusion of control (an illusion, because that is all it is).  The OT readings have been telling us how meaningless this all is - the only thing that matters is that we "Fear God and keep His commandments".  Perhaps then trial will not cause worry, and extreme poverty will not preclude generosity.

Father teach us to put our trust in You and You alone, that our relationship with you might bear fruit in joy and generosity, however difficult our circumstances might be.