The Trappings of Life

THE TRAPPINGS OF LIFE

“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” – Proverbs 8:10-11 MSG

CONFESSION:  The Lord is talking to me about the "trappings of life" this morning.  When I use the phrase, "the trappings of life,” I usually think about the "stuff" we accumulate in our lives, because we are blessed.  

Originally, the word "trapping" meant a decoration a person would attach to their horse's bridle or saddle as a statement about the rider's power and privilege in life.  By global standards, those who make minimum wage in the United States are considered upper class.  We may not consider ourselves wealthy, but we certainly have our trappings that make statements about our affluence to the world — a car, nice hairstyle, clean clothing, hole-less shoes, let alone shoes at all.  These things make statements about how blessed we are.  

It doesn't escape me the fact that the word "trapping" has another meaning—the meaning of being ensnared in a device designed to catch and restrict the movement of a creature, or a plan to lie in wait for a person in order to mount a surprise attack on an unsuspecting victim.  

When our affection for our possessions becomes out of control, the very things we longed to capture and make our own, turn around and capture us.  We can become ensnared by the very things we were trying to obtain. It is a trick of the enemy for the turning of tables.

I look at all I have, the home, cars, appliances, tools and possessions at my disposal—things that serve me.  I realize that they serve me, but I have to serve them, too.  I pay for them, house them, protect them, clean them and feed them.

It reminds me of Gollum, the fictional character in "The Lord of the Rings."  His trapping was a precious ring that influenced him by twisting his body and mind.  He came "to love and hate the Ring, just as he loved and hated himself." Throughout the story, Gollum was torn between his craving for the Ring and his tormented desire to be free of it. 

Recently I spent the better part of a day clearing out excess, especially food, that I had collected.  Over the years my affection for it has warped my mind and my body. I think about it, plan for it, select it, pay for it, bring it home, make a place for it and it has become a master of sorts.  It has warped me.  

Heavenly Father, together with my friend reading this, we come before you.  We have been blessed with so much, but our gratefulness for these things can become an affair of the heart that can become a love-hate relationship.  When we allow these trappings to ensnare us, we hate the prison we find ourselves in.  Father, will You show us where we have become prisoners to our blessings?  Will You show us where those things no longer serve us, but instead we serve them?  Show us where a treasure has morphed into a false god and a tormenting task master.  

Lord, if we knew how to get out of these pits, we would have a long time ago.  We find ourselves making some progress up this slippery shaft, only to slide back down.  Father, You see us in our pits.  Will You reach down and pull us out?  We aren't strong enough to do it ourselves.  Extend Your hand down and lift us out, I pray.  Deliver us from the evil that so easily entangles us.  

I am reminded of the verse, Proverbs 5:21-23 - "For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.  An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.  He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness."  Father, we don't want any part of evil or foolishness.  Teach us to follow the lead of wisdom, not unbridled craving.

Lord, have mercy!  Show us how to not just skirt around the pit in the path next time, but to take another path altogether.  Show us another way.  Father, we thank You for our many blessings.  Give us new eyes and a different, more healthy way of thinking about them.  Save us from our addictions, our warped thoughts and beliefs.  Deliver us from these false gods who promise to comfort, but in actuality are cruel, deceiving and demanding captors.  Remove the hook from our mouths that we might live in freedom.  

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.  In Jesus Name ❤️

Dear friend, are you trapped by those things you once strove to attain? Has the captor become the captive? There is freedom in bringing our struggles before God and asking Him to deliver and save us. Salvation from the torment of our addictions and cravings is a daily surrender to His plan and ongoing petition before His throne for deliverance from evil. Come before Him again and again. Join with other members of the Body of Christ for support and accountability. There can be peace and freedom when you pursue it by pursuing Him.💡

If you have been encouraged or challenged, please repost and further His kingdom!