I am not spontaneous by nature. I rarely do things ‘off the cuff’ and in truth I don’t love surprises. I like to know in advance what I’m doing and when I’m doing it. I like having savings, planning road trips, thinking through back up options – you get the picture.

I had my thinking challenged today as I was reading in the book of proverbs. I came across this passage which was written by someone called Agur. In verses 7-9 they write this;

Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9

This statement really is true. Excess or lack in our lives are so often the things that turn us away from dependence on God. When we have too much we think we’ve created it or that we deserve it and when we have too little we think God isn’t there and our desperation forces us to work a solution outside of Him.

My desire to have savings can totally work against my ability to trust in God for His provision. It’s not wrong to save by the way, but how I save could be. It’s not wrong to plan but is my trust in my plans or Gods ability to sustain me.

I’m challenged! I wonder if I have the faith to ask for what the writer asks for here – for just enough.