All Things Come From You

By Stuart Rothberg

Executive Director of Pastoral Guidance & Consultation

Toward the end of King David’s life, the people of Israel gave generously toward a great building project—the construction of the Temple. The response was overwhelming, and David had every reason to celebrate the faithfulness and generosity of the people.

Yet David’s focus was not on the people, but on God.



We hear this clearly in his prayer:

1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You.”

Though the people gave willingly and sacrificially, David recognized a vital truth: any offering given to God is simply a return of what already belongs to Him.

It is much like a child buying a gift for a parent using money that parent first provided. The gift is meaningful—not because the child supplied the resources, but because the child gave with gratitude and love. In the same way, our generosity toward God is possible only because of His generosity toward us.

God our Father is pleased when His children give willingly and joyfully. Still, we must always remember that every resource, every ability, and every opportunity we have comes from His hand.

We naturally think in terms of my time, my money, and my talents. Scripture gently reminds us that all we have has been given to us by God and already belongs to Him. We are stewards, not owners, of what God has entrusted to us.

Something to Pray

Ask God to help you recognize His ownership over every area of your life. Ask Him to replace pride with gratitude and humility. Thank Him specifically for the ways He has provided for you.

A Simple Prayer

“Lord, everything I have comes from You. Thank You for forgiving me when I act as though I am the owner rather than the steward. Shape my heart to give willingly, joyfully, and humbly, for Your glory.”

Something to Do

Take time to evaluate how you use your time, finances, and abilities. Ask God where He may be calling you to greater faithfulness as a steward. And as you do, remember this: when you give to God, you are not giving Him something that belongs to you—you are returning to Him what has always been His.