All Depends on Our Possessing, ELW 589
1 All depends on our possessing
God's free grace and constant blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart.
They who trust with faith unshaken
By their God are not forsaken
And will keep a dauntless heart.
2 God, who hitherto has fed me
And to many joys has led me,
Is and ever shall be mine.
He who did so gently school me,
He who daily guides and rules me,
Will remain my help divine.
3 When with sorrow I am stricken,
Hope my heart anew will quicken,
All my longing shall be stilled.
To his loving-kindness tender
Soul and body I surrender,
For on God alone I build.
4 Well he knows what best to grant me;
All the longing hopes that haunt me,
Joy and sorrow, have their day.
I shall doubt his wisdom never;
As God wills, so be it ever;
To him I commit my way.
5 If on earth my days he lengthen,
God my weary soul will strengthen;
All my trust in him I place.
Earthly wealth is not abiding;
Like a stream away it's gliding;
Safe I anchor in his grace.
Devotion
All depends on our possessing _______. How do you fill in the blank? Money? A nice home? Education? Good health? Happiness?
This hymn reminds us, "All depends on our possessing God's free grace and constant blessing." "Free" grace--we cannot buy grace nor can we earn it. God's blessings are "constant." They do not begin nor do they end. This is not a limited time offer! Nor is it a first come, first served deal! God's grace is infinitely abundant with enough for all.
The lyrics further remind us that wealth can depart, but we can trust that God will never leave us. God provides for our needs and brings us joys. Our hope rests in our Lord's loving kindness. Saved and freed by grace alone, we can answer God's call to generously share these blessings, lovingly serve our neighbors, and fully live in God's kingdom with abundance enough for all.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for your constant blessings! Grow our trust in you so that, just as you are gracious with us, we are gracious with all our neighbors. Keep us mindful that you bless us to be a blessing to each of our sisters and brothers. Amen.