|
“YOU SHALL REMEMBER THE LORD YOUR GOD, FOR IT IS HE WHO GIVES YOU POWER TO GET WEALTH.” — Deuteronomy 8:18 |
Our command is to remember. It sounds so simple, yet every parent knows how forgetful children can be and we are no different.
Israel was on the brink of entering the Promised Land. For decades they had been anticipating a place of abundance and prosperity, a land of milk and honey. God had promised it, but before they step into his blessing, the Lord wants his people to remember.
Remember the Lord your God. It’s easy in times of trial and difficulty to remember the Lord. Every wave crashes us on his shore. Every peal of thunder awakens a prayer. But when no storm clouds hang on the horizon, we forget. When our children are healthy and our work is advancing and enough money sits in the bank, these are the times we’re most in danger of forgetting the Lord.
But wealth comes from the Lord. It is he who gives you power to get wealth. He empowers us to work, think, solve problems, serve customers, build businesses, create products, connect with people, pursue open doors, day after day after day. Our talents are from Jesus. Our time is from Jesus. Our health is from Jesus. Our education is from Jesus. Our experience is from Jesus. Our opportunities are from Jesus. What do we have that we did not receive?
God owns it all and he generously gives some of his wealth to us to steward for him. But success plays with our pride. We begin to think we earned it, achieved it, and made it happen. We start believing we’re the owner, not the steward, the vine, not the branch. Then, we hear the simple word: ‘Remember.’
When prayers are answered, remember. When the promotion comes, remember. In buying a house, remember. When your investments increase, remember. When your bills are paid, remember. When the deal gets done, remember. When your future looks bright, remember.
Remember there is a sovereign God in heaven who opened every door for you. He made a way when you didn’t know the way. He gifted and called you. He provided for you and promoted you. Remember where wealth comes from and remember who can easily take it away.
Scripture says, “When you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied… beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:12, 17-18)
Father in heaven, thank you for this command. We need it. And right now we remember you. You’re the source of every blessing in our lives. Thank you for the wealth you’ve entrusted to each of us. We ask for fresh power to walk humbly with you in times of success and abundance. Amen.
© 2025 John Rinehart
