A Guide to GratitudeExemplo

In Times of Plenty

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (v. 5)

It’s easy to want more, isn’t it? More money. More things. More of what someone else has. And if not more, maybe it’s a consistent desire for an upgrade of one of your most prized possessions—something just a little better than what you have.

In all of our inherent wanting, it might be hard to recognize when we’re in seasons of plenty. Perhaps instead of seeing what we want next, we need to celebrate the goodness and abundance of God today.

Two well-known Bible readings remind us of God’s providence, his “plenty” for us. We do not achieve this on our own. Psalm 23, which contains some of the most memorized verses in the Bible, says, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (v. 5). Proverbs 3 offers a similar image: “then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (v. 10). This abundance is in response to honoring the Lord with our wealth (v. 9). These verses precede some important reminders on the value of acquiring wisdom above all else (vv. 13-18).

When we are given much, how can we glorify God? By doing so with gratitude for his choice to bless us and living in the humility that we don’t achieve plenty on our own. It’s also important that we remain aware of how we are called to share with others in our lives who may be in want (v. 27).

As you pray, ask God to help you live well, honoring his good gifts.