Don't Stop Talking

Pride goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Have you heard the idiom Pride comes before a fall, and did you know it originated from today’s Bible verse, Proverbs 16:18?

Have you ever thought to yourself, This is too good to last, when things are rocking along really well?

Doesn’t it seem that when life is good, times are prosperous, and success is automatic, something comes along to disrupt the ease?

I have a theory on why that happens…

Getting Lazy with God

When life is tough, times are hard, and we’re clawing our way uphill, prayer comes naturally. We ask for guidance and assistance and relief. We beg God to lighten our load, let Him share our burden, and welcome His help.

And things get better.

The elephant sitting on our chest goes for a stroll. We’re able to breathe.

Perhaps financial worries lessen, and the wolves stop knocking on the door.

Or — and I find this one the best of all — everything we touch turns to gold. We’re hitting home runs with every project and feeling the love in every relationship. You know those times…when every outfit fits and every day is a great hair day.

That’s when I’m walking tall!

Confidence fills my head. Joy fills my heart. I’ve got it all figured out.

And in that moment, it’s really easy to forget that I still need God.

I have fewer cares to cast upon the Lord.

I forget to share my thoughts with Jesus.

I get lazy with Him.

Pride fills me, instead of His spirit.

Then, when I least expect it, the swagger I’ve been enjoying crashes down. To stick with idioms, the other shoe drops.

Whatever I thought I had "all put together" becomes proof that I don’t.

I don’t have it all put together on my own, and I never will.

In fact, if I’d had it all figured out, I’d have known better than to rely upon my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). If I was as smart as I’d been feeling, I’d have doubled down on conversations with God.

Psalm 34:18 explains that The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. That means He’s already with me during the struggles and strife. Indeed, He is with us always (Isaiah 41:10). But it’s up to me to keep the lines of communication open between us. It’s critical that I keep talking to God, even when all I have to share is praise.

Let’s face it, if all I have to tell Jesus is how wonderful the world is, that chat is praise-worthy in and of itself! The icing on top of that sweet slice of cake? My prayer might just bring the Lord joy. As a mom, I’m elated when my kiddos are sitting on top of the world, full of smiles and energy and exuberance. Why would my Father in heaven feel any less delighted in my happiness?

He wouldn’t.

And, by keeping Him close throughout the highs as well as the lows, I am humbled. He balances the roller coaster and provides a firm foundation upon which I can stand, whether I’m scaling mountains or digging out of ditches. Locked arm-in-arm with Jesus, I am stronger to face whatever comes my way.

Thank you, Lord, for your constant and calming presence. If— no, WHEN I drift away, God, guide my path back to You. And Jesus, in times of good fortune and times of great challenge, keep my feet in step with yours. I pray for these blessings in your name, amen.

With love and hugs,