Read: Proverbs 3:1-12
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce. (v. 9)
Proverbs 3 provides solid instruction on trusting God and living his way. I have recited verses 5-6 to myself countless times when my trust was fading and the path ahead felt anything but straight.
In plentiful seasons of harvest, when our personal barns are full with the fruit of our labor, it’s easy to forget who gave these blessings. Perhaps a nice harvest for you looks like a positive fiscal quarter for your business, a full order sheet, a successful academic semester, or recognition of your child’s achievement. If you are a farmer, then you know the value of a good harvest! It’s not just your effort that brought the harvest. It’s God’s providence and care in your labor.
No matter what it looks like, today’s reading reminds us of the context. When we trust God, and follow him faithfully, he provides for us abundantly (v. 10). Verse 9 reminds us what the first part of our harvest celebration should always be. By offering the first tangible evidence of harvest to him, we acknowledge his providence in our lives and our ultimate need for him.
What is our best move when the harvest comes in? To share our blessings with others. This may be in the form of food or finances, but it can also look like encouragement or sharing your story of reliance on God. God allows us to know seasons of plenty so we can share his goodness.
As you pray, ask God to show you who you can bless with your blessings.
Joy Petroelje serves as the Advancement Operations Manager for CURE International, a global nonprofit organization. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, coffee with friends, reading, and traveling local trails on foot.
