GIF Open Hands

“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

(Psalm 73:24-25 NIV)

Open Hands
by Chuck Bentley

Recessions and natural disasters are reminders of how quickly people’s money and possessions can be lost.

Fear prompts people to cling to what they have. The Rich Young Ruler had such a tight grip on his money and possessions that he missed an opportunity to follow Christ (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

This young man’s initial intentions appear to be good. He fell on his knees before Jesus and asked, “Good teacher…what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

The Bible says that “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” But the young man “went away sad” when the Lord said, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Consider the magnitude of those last four words: “Then come, follow me.” In the process of holding on to everything this young man lost everything.

God doesn’t call everyone to give all his or her wealth away, but He does test us to see if we will be faithful to Him.

Open your hands and let go of all that you think is yours. It all belongs to God. A tightly clenched fist is proof that you love things more than Him.

Daily Scripture Reading:
2 Samuel 7
1 Chronicles 17
Psalm 105