Rich Beyond Calculation

June 24

Do you say ‘grace’ at meals? Many people do not. The rare family bows their heads in thanks to the Lord when they partake of the provision He has made for their nutritional needs to be met. Some few families even take a moment to offer thanks when dining in a public facility. These offerings are rare and refreshing—especially to God.

But the Word of God is replete with verses that specify the attitude of gratitude that should pervade the breast of man who has been so abundantly supplied with the good things of life. Yet, the reality is that it is often those among us who are in short supply who lift thankful hearts to the God who provides even their meager needs.

We are prone to believe that it is our own ingenuity, our own intelligence, our own insight, our own effort that brings us to a fruitful place in life, when in actuality, it is the good hand of the Lord upon us that has enabled us to translate our gifts into the actuality of the abundance we possess. Let us not think for a moment that there are not others, far more capable than are we, whose measurable achievements do not match our own.

One admonition to which we should all submit our spirits is found in Colossians 3:16 where Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” No matter what our status in life, we hold the rich treasure of salvation within us; we are the dwelling place of the Spirit of God—that makes us rich beyond calculation.