The Sky Is Not the Limit

Your love, Lord, reaches to the Heavens, 

Your faithfulness to the skies.

Psalm 36:5

Giving as God Gives

Lent invites us to reflect not only on what we receive from God, but also on how we live in response—especially in our generosity. Psalm 36 offers a breathtaking contrast: human wickedness below, and divine faithfulness above. While sin plots in secret (vv. 1–4), God’s love stretches beyond sight, “reaching to the heavens,” His justice “like the great deep.” His giving knows no limits.

Henri Nouwen wrote, “We are not the bread-makers, we are the bread-takers. God gives the bread.” And He gives it in abundance. Verses 7–9 show that God’s house is not a place of scarcity, but a feast of abundance where we drink from the river of His delights. Lent teaches us to return to this fountain—not with clenched fists, but with open hands.

In Luke 4:14–37, Jesus begins His public ministry with this same boundless generosity: healing, proclaiming, setting captives free. But the people of Nazareth resist when they realize God’s grace is also for everyone. They wanted miracles—but on their terms. As Barclay comments, “The tragedy of life is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that they reject Him.” And too often, they reject the way He gives.

The Israelites turn back at the border of promise—not because God had changed, but because their fear set limits on His power. George Müller, who trusted God for every provision, once said: “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible… Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

Trusting in a God without limits opens our hearts to give without hesitation—whether it’s our time, forgiveness, patience, resources, or love. As Dallas Willard wisely observed, “The abundance of God to our lives is not passively received—it is learned in active discipleship.” Generosity grows as we walk closely with Him, shaped by His example.

This Lent, may we practice giving as God gives—freely, abundantly, and without fear. Whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of grace, let it all flow from the deep reservoir of God’s mercy. In doing so, we proclaim that His love not only sustains—it overflows.

Prayer:

Lord, You give without limit. Your love towers above us, and Your faithfulness knows no end. Teach us to give as You give—freely, abundantly, and without fear. Let this Lent be a time of open hands and open hearts, shaped by Your mercy and guided by Your Spirit. Amen.