Malachi 2:13: Giving and Receiving

We draw subtle connections between our gifts to God and the blessings we expect to receive from God. This is the “give and it shall be given unto you” principle of Luke 6:38. What happens when the blessings cease to flow and our gifts seem to hold no sway with God? Is the fault with God, with us, or with the assumption of an automatic connection between gifts and blessings?