All Depends on Our Possessing (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 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.
Text: Gesangbuch, Nürnberg; Music: Johann Löhner; Public Domain
Devotion
Similar to this week’s gospel reading from Luke 16, this German hymn urges us to “let all earthly wealth depart.” In a world driven by consumerism, where do we put our trust and loyalties? Money won’t last forever, but God’s grace will be a possession for the ages.
During a retreat several years ago, I created a “Rule of Life”—a spiritual guide to help me find purpose and clarity. Writing such a rule, outlined my priorities and how they align with God’s will for my life. The rule provides a daily reminder of what I do and how God guides me to do it. For example, my rule focuses on following Jesus’ rhythm of renewal and ministry, serving others and finding joy in sharing creative arts—all reminding me that my true wealth lies in God’s grace. Where can you rely on God’s grace instead of material possessions today?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, teach us to trust you, treasuring your free grace and constant blessings, rather than accumulating earthly wealth. Guide and shape our hearts to follow your rhythm of renewal, service, and joy, so that our lives will reflect the true riches found in your love. Amen.