You Are My Gift
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “You are my gift.” As you breathe out say, “I treasure you.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
“Thou and thou only, the first in my heart, great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.” – Be Thou My Vision, ELW #793
Reflect.
When we sing our faith, whether in a hymn or a praise song, we get to say things a little differently than we might normally express ourselves. In particular, some older hymns use turns of phrase or poetic devises that make us think about what we believe and why in a new way.
In this classic hymn, we express that God, God alone, stands in the place of greatest priority for us. It expresses the first commandment (you shall have no other gods) in beautiful, accessible language. God only, God first, God who has made all things – this God is all I treasure. Nothing else takes that place. The hymn even expresses, “Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise” – I pay no attention to these other things that might dominate my life. God comes first.
When we sing this reorganization of our priorities, it gives us space to consider how we might actually live that out. Singing our faith reaches our heart in a way that words along might not. We feel inspired to live out this full trust in God and daily, intentional choice to put all other priorities far behind worship and adoration of our one God. We put the things we treasure in service of the God who is our true treasure. It serves as both reminder and invitation that God gives all we need and is all we need.
Pray.
God, I have everything I need because of you. I put you first in my life. Thank you for the opportunity to put everything you’ve given me – money, talents, time, relationships, and more – in service to you and the world you so love. It is my joy to treasure you alone. Amen.
Carry On.
What simple reminders can keep you focused on God as your sole source of joy and hope? Is there a daily action, like prayer or meditation? Can you start a pattern of weekly or monthly financial giving? Can you set aside time to regularly spend your time in service to church or community?