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Daily devotional · November 3

Don't Forget Who Gave It

“When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you. Be careful not to forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint. He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper. You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.”
Deuteronomy 8:10-18 (BSB)Read the whole chapter →

Moses warns a people about to enter a fruitful land. The danger he names is not hardship but comfort: when you eat well, build good houses and watch your savings grow, you may quietly start to believe you did it all yourself. He tells them to remember the God who brought them through the wilderness and gave them the strength to work. Prosperity is not the enemy, but forgetfulness is. The remedy he gives is remembering on purpose. Many of us feel more grateful when we are struggling than when things are going well, which is exactly the trap this passage describes. Today, look at something you have worked hard for, your job, your home, your health, and name three ways God was involved that you did not create. Say them aloud as thanks, and let humility open your hands.

Prayer

Father, keep my heart from thinking I am self-made. Everything I have began with You. Amen.

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