Joy Gems

Fan Your Desire to Give Gladly

I Chronicles 29:17-18. "I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. O LORD God... keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You."

King David is saying how willingly he has given to God, and it has given him joy to see how willingly the people who are with him have also given to God. Observing that has given him joy.

I get joy in giving too, and I give willingly most of the time. It also gives me joy to see others giving gladly of their time and gifts and money to the Lord.

Last night I gave without complaining of my time to that relative when she called so late, and talked on and on. I should have said a tactful good bye and hung up so I could finish my writing project quicker. She held me for an hour and 45 minutes. But I asked for peace and got it as I continued to work while listening to her.

Yes, there is joy in giving willingly!

But I see too, that David was concerned that the people lose this willingness to give, for he pleaded with God to keep them always in this state of desire to give. I have to confess, that desire does wane sometimes. It's almost as if it were a precious wee candle flame that must be nursed into full and bright burning. Even then, a strong wind can blow it out.

Think. How is the state of your willingness and joy in giving?

PRAYER: Oh Father-God, do nurse our desire to give to You by giving to others. Guard it if we already have such a heart, and fan it to burn brighter. Help us not to neglect this attitude, lest we become bored and slip into a grudging giving - when we do so at all. Help me to be consistent in my desire to give gladly! Amen.

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