How can we actively participate in stewarding the "abundance" described in Psalm 65:12? Framing the Overflow “The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy.” (Psalm 65:12) Verse 11 just beforehand adds, “You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with abundance.” God paints a picture of the ground itself bursting with life. The earth can’t hold back the lavish supply He pours out. Seeing God as Owner, Ourselves as Stewards • Genesis 1:28 – Dominion was given, not ownership; we manage what is His. • Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Everything we call “ours” is really on loan. Stewardship means aligning our use of God’s gifts with the Giver’s heart. Core Principles for Participating in God’s Abundance • Gratitude fuels stewardship. When we see plenty as a divine gift, wastefulness loses its appeal (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Worship precedes work. Psalm 65 begins with praise, then describes provision; honoring God sets the stage for responsible action. • Generosity multiplies abundance. “He who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). • Accountability is coming. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows reward for faithful managers and loss for the careless. Practical Ways to Steward Today’s “Overflow” Finances • Tithe first (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Budget with eternity in view, resisting consumerism. • Support gospel work and relief ministries (Philippians 4:17-18). Time & Abilities • Schedule regular service—teaching, visiting, mentoring (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Sharpen skills God can use: study, craftsmanship, leadership. Creation Care • Treat land, water, and wildlife as gifts to nurture (Leviticus 25:4-5). • Reduce waste, recycle, and plant when possible; small acts acknowledge God’s handiwork. Relationships • Invest in marriages, families, and friendships; peace in the “pastures” of home showcases God’s provision (Colossians 3:12-14). • Practice hospitality; a shared table turns material plenty into spiritual blessing (Romans 12:13). Spiritual Disciplines • Daily Scripture and prayer keep the heart tuned to the Source (Psalm 1:2-3). • Sabbath rest guards against turning abundance into burnout (Exodus 20:8-11). Guarding Against Two Dangers • Hoarding – Luke 12:15-21 warns that barns full of grain can hide an empty soul. • Entitlement – Deuteronomy 8:17-18 cautions not to say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” Fruit God Delights to See When abundance is stewarded well: • Needs are met (Acts 4:34). • Praise rises to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). • The watching world catches a glimpse of the coming kingdom (Isaiah 55:12-13). Keep Walking the Overflowing Path Psalm 65:11 says God’s “paths overflow with abundance.” The call is continuous: step into those paths each day, manage what He provides with open hands, and let every field—literal or figurative—testify that the Lord is good and His supply never runs dry. |
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