Give It to Jesus

You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.—Psalm 65:11

Franklin Belden began writing music when he was just a child. In his youth, he began realizing that God had given him musical abilities and dedicated his life to developing this gift. He spent more time composing church music.

He encountered problems resulting from royalties for his compositions. But he kept writing, with many hymns reaching thousands through the ministry of evangelist Billy Sunday.

He urged believers to realize the importance of a relationship with Jesus. These priorities were clearly expressed in his hymn “Give This Year to Jesus,” which underscored the importance of committing each new year to Him.

He urged believers to make a decisive commitment of their time and resources, realize that He is near, make Him the focal point of their lives, “live and work for Him” and “labor for the Master.”

His prayer was that we should be watchful and pray to “strive against the wrong,” confident Jesus will help us all the way along. We should be faithful and earnest in each task, determined to live for God alone, to trust Him, and always confident He will reward us for being faithful.

As you consider the year ahead, make this an opportunity to dedicate the future to Jesus. Seek to grow stronger in your relationship with Him and spend time in prayer. Seek to be more sensitive to His Spirit, more committed to learning His Word, and more determined to walk in His ways.

Reflection Question: How can you remind yourself daily to perform your work duties for God?