“But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.” Isaiah 32:8 NLT
One of my favourite hymns is “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” We used to sing it often in church, but like other old hymns it has been replaced by modern worship songs. I recently read the story of why this hymn was written.
Louise Stead watched as her husband drowned along with the child he was trying to save. She and her young daughter were left with no support. One morning when she had no funds or food for the day, she opened her door and found that someone had left food and money on her doorstep. That day she wrote this hymn.
She had not approached anyone with her need. It is doubtful she ever found out who had provided her with what she needed. But the Lord had impressed the need upon someone with a generous heart. They had obeyed not looking for anything in return. Both the giver and the receiver were blessed. And we have this beautiful hymn of praise to remind us that Jesus knows our every need, and we can trust Him to always come through for us.
We talked earlier this week about blessing God by obeying His Word. We bless Him as we follow the instructions He gives in His Word about generosity.
- Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
- Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
- II Corinthians 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
- Acts 20:35 “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Thought For Today: Ask the Lord who you can bless today.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
