I have to confess I really like to work.  It doesn’t matter if it’s in the garden, on a car, or in front of a computer.  There’s something about the satisfaction of using my mind and my hands to cause fruitfulness.  I have traced this tendency back to my oldest ancestor as he was placed in a garden to cultivate and keep it and was told to “Be fruitful and multiply”

While it’s great not to be a sluggard, we have to be on guard for the temptation to look at all the things we have done with our hands and claim all the glory for ourselves.  This is especially true if the work involves income.  It takes no effort to begin to believe that all we have is “ours” and that our very own hands have made this wealth we enjoy.

King David knew and understood that the Earth and everything in it belonged to God. As a result, his prayers and songs were often filled with praise.  Realizing that God owns it all and has blessed us according to His will, helps keep us from self-worship and instead breeds a heart of humility and gratitude.  David was certainly a wealthy man and he danced and praised God; for he knew it was only by God’s choice that it was so.

I have visited 8 different countries outside the United States.  In each case, I have come home with a heart of gratitude, seeing how much I am blessed to live where I do.  On one occasion, I was on a mission trip that I was supposed to lead  but had been forced out of my job first.  I went on the trip anyway at the request of those that were going.

Even in those difficult circumstances, my heart was moved as I saw people working 16 hour days to make only a few dollars and still praising God for it. I saw in me another level of self -dependence and I realized again how much my flesh loves glory though I was designed to give God glory.

God has blessed you wherever you were born and wherever you serve.  He has blessed you with the material blessings you have and He alone has given you life and breath. Above all, He has blessed you with His salvation and eternal presence. For the Earth is His and all that is in it.

Reflection

In what ways have you claimed the works of your hands or wealth and glorified yourself?

Make a list of the many blessings you have and praise God for each one.  Take the list and put it in a place you will see it multiple times.  Praise God each time the list catches your eye.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we know that ALL things come from Your hand and we only have because you have chosen us to.  For You have the power to give and to take away.  In all circumstances teach us to praise you in Jesus’ name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#GodOwnsItAll

#PraiseHim

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