February 10

Morning

I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. — Phil 4:12 BSB

Many people know how to handle hard times, but not everyone knows how to handle prosperity. When some people are elevated to a position of success, they become overwhelmed and lose their way. It’s often easier for a Christian to stay faithful in adversity than in abundance. Prosperity can be dangerous. The trials of adversity are often less severe than the temptations of success. How often do the very blessings of God lead to spiritual complacency and neglect of Him?

However, this isn’t inevitable. The apostle Paul said that he had learned how to handle prosperity. When he had much, he knew how to use it wisely. God gave him abundant grace to balance the abundant blessings. Even when his life was full, Paul remained steady and faithful. He had learned the divine skill of handling both abundance and need, declaring, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation—whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

It’s a special grace to know how to handle fullness, for the Israelites once had plenty, but while they were still enjoying their food, God’s anger came upon them. Many people have asked for blessings only to indulge their own desires. Having plenty often leads to self-indulgence, and this can distance us from God. When we have many blessings, we may forget to thank God, becoming satisfied with this world and indifferent to the next. It’s harder to stay spiritually focused when life is easy than when life is hard. Take care to pray that God teaches you how to be full. Let His gifts never lead your heart away from Him.

Evening

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. — Isa 44:22 BSB

Let’s look closely at this instructive comparison: our sins are like a cloud. Just as clouds take on different shapes and sizes, so do our sins. Just as clouds block the sun and cast shadows over the earth, our sins hide God’s face from us and leave us in spiritual darkness. Sin rises from our fallen nature, and when it accumulates, it threatens us with spiritual storms and destruction. Unlike rain clouds that bring refreshing showers, our sins don’t offer any relief—they only bring the storm of God’s judgment. How can our souls ever find peace while our sins hover over us like dark clouds?

Now, look at the remarkable act of divine mercy—God “blots out” our sins. Instead of unleashing His anger, He shows us His grace. He doesn’t just blow the clouds away temporarily but completely erases them from existence. For those who are justified by faith in Christ, no sin remains. On the cross, Jesus accomplished the eternal removal of sin for His people. The great act of salvation was completed once and for all on Calvary’s hill.

In light of this, let us obey God’s gracious invitation: “Return to Me.” Why should forgiven sinners remain distant from their loving God? If all our sins have been wiped away, let nothing hold us back from drawing near to Him. If we have wandered, let us not persist in our backsliding. Instead, let’s strive, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to return to the closest fellowship with our Lord. O God, this night, restore us to Yourself!