On January 15, 1919, a huge molasses tank burst in Boston. A fifteen-foot wave of millions of gallons of molasses careened through the street at over 30 mph, sweeping away railcars, buildings, people, and animals. Molasses might seem harmless enough, but that day it was deadly: twenty-one persons lost their lives and over 150 were injured.

Sometimes even good things—like molasses—can overwhelm us unexpectedly. Before the Israelites entered the land God promised them, Moses warned the people to be careful not to give themselves credit for the good things they’d receive: “When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.” At such times, they weren’t to attribute this wealth to their own strength or capabilities. Instead, they were to “remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:12–14, 17–18).  

All good things—including physical health and the skills needed to earn a living—are blessings from the hand of our generous, loving God. Even when we’ve worked hard, it’s He who sustains us every moment so we can work. Oh, to hold our blessings with open hands, that we may gratefully praise God for His merciful kindness to us!