then you say in your heart,
‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’
Deuteronomy 8:17
LORD Jesus we praise You for all that You have done for us. You have left Your throne, came to this earth to dwell among us, to teach us, and to die for our sins. Forgive us, O God we pray, whenever we forget from where we have come and where we are heading if left to ourselves. You are the One who has brought us out of Egypt, who has led us through the wilderness, and who has given us instructions for us to hear and obey. Help us, precious LORD, to trust—not in might, nor in power but—in Your Spirit. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray. Amen.
Deuteronomy 8 is all about remembering God. It is written for our instruction, not to be a suggestion, but as a warning: Take heed not to forget the LORD your God—for if you do,
then you say in your heart,
‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’
How many times—throughout the year, during the weeks, and even while it is still called today—do we forget what God has done for us and how He has led us in good times and in bad ones? How often do we fail to see that “it was the LORD” who has brought us through this and that? How much do we neglect to thank Him for making a way where there was no way, for His amazing Goodness, for all that He provided for us throughout the years?
Ouch!
In our western world we enjoy an abundance of food, we get to live in beautiful houses, and we see and get to taste that the LORD is good in most every way. And how do we thank Him? We lift up our hearts and forget that it was God who has brought us out from “the house of bondage” and who has led us through many, many troubled times and hardships. We are not content, but we keep on seeking after bigger, faster, more comfortable, and fancier things. We will do all to keep up with others—longing to have what they have, and wishing to go where they are able to go for their vacation. We want the latest gadgets, the best iPhone, the nicest kitchen appliances—and, yes, we will work overtime for them and we will go the extra mile to get them.
What are we willing to give, and give up, for God?
Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get things today.