Give a man wealth; let his ships return with rich cargo; let the winds and waves serve him well. Let his lands yield abundantly and the weather favor his crops. Let success follow him, and health remain constant. Allow him to stride through life with joy, a song in his heart, and happiness in his eyes. Even for the best Christian, such ease leads to presumption. David himself said, "I shall never be moved," and we are neither better nor as good as David. Beware of life's smooth paths. If you walk them now, or if your road is rough, thank God. If He always kept us in comfort or fortune, we'd become drunk on pleasure, dreaming we're secure. But we'd be in danger, like a man asleep atop a mast.

We thank God for our afflictions and changes. We praise Him for losses because they prevent overconfidence. Constant prosperity is a risky trial. Afflictions, though they seem harsh, are often sent in mercy.