"Generous"

The generous host of the garden,

Said take all you want of the fruit,

Only one tree was forbidden,

The serpent seduced at the root,

Of asking why God would withhold it,

A ridiculous question at best,

But only one no was too many,

And they disregarded God’s yes.

And so it goes on through the ages,

God promises abundance to bless,

But we doubt the word of His promise,

Hear only no, not His yes.

Jesus came pointing to blessing,

Said the birds and the flowers do well,

And if we will seek the Lord’s Kingdom,

Of His great provision we’ll tell.

Generous, always and ever,

More than we ask or we think,

According to His power in us,

The rivers of water we drink.

Whatever it is we are hoarding,

Afraid to let go and then lose,

When if we just let go to Jesus,

It’s really His yes that we choose.

So come take your fill of the garden,

The Lord gives it back one and all,

Generous, kind with His giving,

And faithful to offer His call.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NAS)

Sometimes we lose sight of the magnificent generosity of our God. His blessings are too great to number and His grace is immeasurable. Everything from the air we breathe to the relationships we enjoy to the breath-taking beauty of the created order, it all announces and celebrates His wonderful generosity. He is not a stingy God who begrudges what He gives us. He lavishes us with more than we can imagine and then does more than that. If you’re going through a time when you do not feel this abundance, take a minute and remember. He died and was raised to give us abundant life. The thief tries to steal it.

Lord, help us celebrate Your generosity. in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.