Ecclesiastes 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Solomon writes that we should be joyful when we prosper. God’s gifts and blessings are to be enjoyed. But he also writes that in the day of adversity we should consider that the Father is just as merciful and kind in the day of adversity as He is in the day of prosperity. So often in adversity we think our world is collapsing and that God is angry with us when, in reality, the Lord is allowing those circumstances to draw us closer and closer to Him. Charles Spurgeon wrote: “This side of heaven there must be thorns with the roses, and clouds with the sunshine. It is our wisdom to act rightly under all circumstances; to bless the Lord when his mercies overflow, and to turn to him penitently when he smites us with the rod.”

Our God has sovereign rule over everything, including our lives, and He will work everything to His own purpose for His glory and the good of His people (Romans 8:18–30). Neither prosperity nor adversity can alter the gospel or the character of our God. Praise Him this morning, beloved; praise Him! “… Alleluia, for The Lord God omnipotent reigns.” (Revelation 19:6) Selah