A Natural Tendency
“Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; According to the bounty of his land they have embellished his sacred pillars.” Hosea 10:1 (NKJV)
It is a natural tendency for humans to forget God when everything is going well. When we face difficulties or suffering, we tend to seek God almost automatically—praying, attending church, and connecting with people who share our faith. However, when we enjoy abundance, wealth, and comfort, it seems like the need to stay close to God fades. Prosperity can deceive us into thinking that we no longer depend on Him.
- Prosperity can distance us from God:
Often, when we experience times of abundance, we forget that it is God who gives us all our blessings. In Hosea 10:1, we see how Israel, as it became wealthier, drifted further away from God, building pagan altars. Comfort and success should not make us forget that everything we have comes from Him. - The importance of always depending on God:
Recognizing that everything we are and have comes from God is key to staying close to Him. Remembering that God is the source of all our blessings helps us live in constant gratitude and dependence. We must not allow the blessings to make us forget the One who gives them.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2 NKJV) - The danger of pride and arrogance:
Pride can lead us to destruction. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that pride and arrogance come before a fall. Therefore, we must maintain a humble heart, always acknowledging that without God, we are nothing. Humility is essential for walking in the right direction and avoiding drifting away from God. - Enjoying blessings without idolizing them:
God allows us to enjoy His blessings, but we must remember not to idolize them or let them take God’s place in our hearts. He must always have the first place in our lives. As Proverbs 10:22 says, the blessing of the Lord makes us rich and adds no sorrow with it. We can enjoy what God gives us without letting those blessings become our priority.
“Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; According to the bounty of his land they have embellished his sacred pillars.” Hosea 10:1 (NKJV)
Think about it:
- Have you noticed that it’s easier to draw near to God in times of difficulty than in times of abundance?
- How can you maintain an attitude of dependence and gratitude toward God, even in times of prosperity?
- What steps can you take today to ensure that God remains the first priority in your life?
