Unguided Excitement! 2

“The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

Excitement about the future is a good thing in life, and no one should be denied this experience of joy. However, unguided excitement can lead to disappointment and unhappiness. When we are excited about something, our minds tend to wander off and think that it’s just another day that does not need much thought. But if we are not careful, these thoughts can turn into feelings of frustration and anger.

I remember a story of Benjamin Franklin when he was a boy, who was very excited about a whistle he saw from his friend earlier in the day. When he went to the store and saw one for sale, he was engorged to the brim with excitement to buy the toy. So he went home and gathered all the money he had and bought the toy.

Proverbs 19:2 says, “Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and anyone who hurries their footsteps misses the mark.

When he returned home and went whistling around the house, he felt so happy that he couldn’t stop himself. Later that day, his brothers and sister understand the bargain he made. They told him he had spent four times more than what the toy cost. When the eager boy heard the news of the deal, his sense of craving and anticipation for the toy vanished. That is where we got the parable that says, “Alas!” said I, “he has paid dear, very dear, for his whistle.”

As Benjamín’s story goes, we all tend to be fooled by our desires, especially when we are so excited and in a hurry. As a believer, we must evaluate people’s motives and intent when opening the door of friendship. We cannot lose our liberty, virtue, and integrity by being too enthusiastic about something or someone that will cost you your soul in the end. We should always keep our eyes on the prize and never lose sight of what God has given us. Proverbs 24:32 says, “Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction.”

Prayer:
1. Oh Lord, lead me in the right direction when I am anxious and need to be led.
2. Psalm 94:19; Oh Lord, I believe that when the cares of my heart are many, your consolations will cheer my soul in Jesus’ name.