Moderation

Who was it that said, “A strength pushed to an extreme is a weakness”?

I know I heard that as a young adult.

It’s one of those truths God has used in my life many times.

Last night, the Lord nudged my heart and I opened the linen closet.

It was not only full, but in disarray.

I realized a change needed to occur.

There’s no reason for me to have so many sheets and blankets.

It’s not a strength to horde.

It is a weakness I’ve battled a long time.

Because fear often whispers, “What if you need that…”

Years ago, the Lord taught me not to try to guard myself from future need by hording stuff.

Because it isn’t trust.

When I lean on my stuff or my abilities, I’m not trusting Him with my future.

Of course I don’t just trash everything either, instead I pray for wisdom and look for opportunity.

Sometimes, God gives me something He wants me to pass along.

Other times, it’s something I end up using.

But at no time should I be attached to anything.

Because, as a dear friend once said, “It’s all gonna burn anyway. You can’t take it with you.”

So, I cleaned out the linen closet and took a picture of the results.

I’m planning on tackling each closet, prayerfully considering what is there and being obedient to the Lord.

For although we live in a country with excess, it is often a burden and a snare.

It’s times like these I pray the prayer of Agur:

Proverbs 30:7-9 NKJV — Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me moderation. Lord, I never want to depend on anything but You. Please guard my heart and mind from love of things. Lord, please place in me Your wisdom, that I might hear and understand how to handle each day, holding on to You and being generous with others. Lord, if I have a need, help me to trust You in it. You have never failed me, ever. I know You never will. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for salvation. May my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.