Psalm 67:1-2, 7
“For the music director; to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm, a song. May God show us his favor and bless us! May he smile on us! (Selah) 2 Then those living on earth will know what you are like; all nations will know how you deliver your people. 7 May God bless us! Then all the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves.”
Everyone wants to be blessed. Life is easier. But ultimately our blessings are not for us. God wants to bless His children, but within His acts of kindness is an opportunity for others around us to see our relationship with God and to see His faithfulness and provision for His children, bringing God praise.
Sometimes when we receive a lot of blessings we can want to hoard and keep them for ourselves, yet God wants us to trust Him to provide blessings for another day. The Israelites gathered manna God provided each day and reaped maggots when they coveted more blessings than what God had provided. God’s demonstration of care in providing food in the desert was not just all about them. It was for the surrounding nations to see how awesome our God is, ultimately come to know Him and receive His gift of salvation, too.
Just like the Israelites made mistakes that affected the reputation of their God, we, too, show the world how powerful our God is by living faithful lives all for His glory. Complaining about God’s provision tells the world that God is not enough. Being stingy tells the world that we are not generous.
So it is with us. With the provision He has given us – we can use it as a testimony for His glory, or all for ourselves.
Lord, thank You for all You give us. You are forever faithful. Help us to worship You and be content whatever level of provision and to invest what You give for Your kingdom and glory.