Does the Lord Bring Prosperity to His People?

July 10, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” Deuteronomy 30:9-14

There is an abundance of prosperity preachers these days! They say what we long to hear—the Lord will always bless his people with great wealth and vitality. And while these words are appealing, we know that as Christians, we are called to die to self, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus on the road to Golgotha. How does this call to die to oneself fit with the prosperity gospel and God’s delight in prospering his people?

It begins with understanding God’s view of prosperity in contrast to the world’s. These verses from Deuteronomy tell us God loves to see his people flourish! God also knows true flourishing occurs when people walk in obedience to his will and teaching. Notice how obedience and keeping his commands are directly correlated to God’s blessings. Dying to self, your flesh, and the many demands of your flesh and following the words of Scripture brings the blessing of peace. You don’t have to wonder if you are doing God’s will; it is quite apparent you are.

When you follow the Ten Commandments and love God, love his people, stay faithful to your spouse, honor your parents, and do not steal, kill, or lie, you will have the joy of a good conscience before God and people. The joy and peace of this obedience lead to healthy relationships and faithful work. This joy and peace are the fruit of prosperity before God. You can own everything in this world and have no meaningful relationships. What a lonely way to experience wealth!

God sees eternity while you often see right here and right now. The Lord longs for his people to lead vibrant lives here on this earth; yet, even more, he longs for his people to have eternal life with him in the new heavens and the new earth. The abundance of the new heavens and new earth will far surpass the greatest joy one could ever find in this world.

Obedience today results in eternal blessings and eternal prosperity. God delights to prosper you today but even more into eternity.

Reflection:

Do you realize God’s joy in blessing you, leading you, and storing up for the abundant blessings in your eternal home? How can you live faithfully today with your eyes set on that eternity? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Why is trust so difficult? Unlike all the broken promises of this world, God’s redeeming promises are absolute, trustworthy, and true. The covenants of God afford us with abundant reasons to trust God with his plan for our lives. Trusting God: Redeeming Promises of the Word small group Bible study explores the six major redeeming promises of God found in his Word. Learn more about God’s commitment to his people, the nature of a covenant, and how you can find your security in being a child of God’s redeeming promises. Learn more about God’s promises today.