It’s never a bad time to count your blessings. I mean, why not, right? Taking time to recognize and acknowledge your blessings is something we should do, and it can help keep us from falling apart when things get tough. We should also be good stewards of our gifts and treasures. I personally believe that you cannot out-give God. If you are generous, then He sees that, and He will bless you generously. Without getting into an all-out sermon here, I’ll just say that oftentimes, when we are doing God’s will or following His direction in our lives, the enemy will strike, and try to throw us off our path. I try to consider that concept when things are not going my way. Maybe it’s just the enemy trying to distract me from what I’m doing. But then, when I feel like things are going well, I tend to get a little concerned, too. You know… that eerie feeling that things are going so well that something bad must be coming? Anyway, that’s just the way I think sometimes. These days, I get concerned about the trajectory of our country and the economy, yet I am thankful that I am still healthy and strong, and my job remains steady. I don’t put my trust and faith in my worldly possessions, but I’m certainly grateful to be able to enjoy them. I am blessed with the means to pursue my hobbies, and keep the bills paid, as well. The fact is, many people don’t have such luxuries, and that brings me to the point of this poem. Whenever I pause and consider the blessings I have, I often thank the Lord for His provisions, and then I say, “Lord, please don’t let this be my reward.” In other words, I don’t want to coast along through life, immersed in my worldly possessions, and miss the eternal reward that God has awaiting me in Heaven. Just something to think about…
MY REWARD
By Trevor Hardwick
Oh, my Lord… I am such a sinner.
I’ve been doing things,
That I realize You’ve seen,
And I’m surely no beginner.
Here I am… taking in Your blessings.
I must have some nerve,
Taking things I don’t deserve,
And continually regressing.
One might think… I’d learn my lesson.
I’m a wealthy man,
One that I can hardly stand,
If I’m judged by my possessions.
All these things… I don’t regret ‘em.
But if they come between,
You, my God, and me,
Then I’d rather just forget ‘em.
Help me see… it’s not about earnings.
You are more impressed,
By the heart that’s in my chest,
When it’s You that I am yearning.
Take these things… all for Your glory.
Entrusting them to me,
Is a bad mistake, you see,
But that’s another story.
All I know… I have Your protection.
It’s nothing I deserve,
But You’ve given me Your Word,
With Your death and resurrection.
My Lord… as I’m rolling down the highway.
Keep my mind on You,
Not the sinful things I do,
Every time I do it my way.
Thank You God… for the things I afford.
But if You’ll hear my plea,
Please don’t let them be,
In lieu of my eternal reward.