A gem out of mess

^"1How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at every street corner. ... ⁵ Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those brought up in royal purple now lie on ash heaps." - Lamentations 4:1 & 5

It is an interesting conundrum to be in. It is right to plan for the future and work hard to provide for your family but in doing that sometimes we get lost in the pull to have more. There is something about looking great and having things that makes you feel like you are in control and prepared for anything.

I remember sitting down to eat with friends one time. I asked if they minded if I prayed before eating. Their response was interesting, "Why do you want to thank God? We are the ones that worked hard to put this food on the table.".

We often mistakenly believe that we control our lives, yet not one ounce of our ability can ensure an easy future. Things will always happen that we are not prepared for like losing a job, a loved one, environmental disasters and nothing we can do will keep us from eventually dying. In our society we try to plan for every contingency trusting that if we do the right things then we will be okay, but eventually something will happen that you just can't plan for....that is without God.

In the chapter in Lamentations, we see the results of Israel pushing God out of their lives, relying on their abilities and their own wisdom. Everything that they made for themselves eventually fell apart and faded, like a flower. They had become selfish and without God's help, were not able to find their way out of the disaster.

God always has a way out. All is not lost. You know it is funny because we often think God is all about rules, but He is really all about reaching us where we are at and reminding us that we are never alone.

If you have hit some tough times, don't panic. Maybe this is your opportunity to refocus. Take a look at your focus. Does it need some adjusting? One thing I can guarantee....God has a plan to make things work out for your good.