THANKFUL TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH GOD’S RICHES
Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.
1 Chronicles 29:12-14
Through Nathan the prophet, God had made clear to David that he would not be the one to build a temple for His Name. Instead, his son Solomon would have that privilege. Therefore, knowing Solomon was young and inexperienced, David began to amass the supplies and money needed for such a momentous endeavor. First, David gave extravagantly of his own treasures. “Then the leaders of the households, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly” (1 Chronicles 29:6). Read the entire chapter to see how generously the King and his leaders gave to this building fund. David pronounced a blessing on this occasion thanking God for His provision. David had a clear understanding that it was a blessing to be able to contribute and that ultimately everything they had, everything they had given, was given to them by God in the first place.
We feel blessed to be able to give tithes and offerings. Each month, as soon as her SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) posts into her account, Susan has me go to our church website and give her tithe and offering. As soon as I put my checks in the bank, I do the same. We delight to be able to give back to the Lord who so graciously provides for all our needs. When we view everything we “own” as the Lord’s and ourselves as stewards of His wealth, it is a blessing to be able to give back through tithes, offerings, or sharing with others in His name.
Have you thanked the Lord recently for the ability to give to Him or to others in His name? Take a moment to think about the ways God has provided for you—income, gifts from others, unexpected blessings of money or goods—and thank Him. Thank Him as you write a check to your church, place money in the offering plate, or give to a fund to help a brother or sister in need. Thank Him for giving you the ability to not only pay your bills but to enjoy giving as well.
Father, we thank You for the way You consistently meet our needs. We thank You for those times we are able to meet a need for a brother or sister in Christ. We thank You for the privilege of giving back to You.