Who owns all my stuff and what exactly does that mean?

The Bible is clear that God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 says "The earth belongs to God; everything in all the world is His!" 1 Chronicles 29:11 says "Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom" Specifically the Bible says He owns; the land (Leviticus 25:23), the animals (Psalm 50:10) and the silver and gold (Haggai 2:8). But what exactly does it mean that God owns everything?

Since we can't literally place everything into God's hands, this transferring of ownership becomes an act of faith. How exactly do we do that? Each of us must find a way that works individually for us. I know for me it is identifying the things that I am holding too tightly and then sincerely praying: "God either teach me to surrender this item to you or take it away." Watch out, because God answers prayers and this prayer is consistent with His will! I talked to a couple this weekend that were on the verge of losing everything through bankruptcy. God may use different methods of teaching us who is the owner of our stuff.

Once we complete this transfer of ownership what happens in our lives? For starters it will do wonders in helping us realize the biblical principle of contentment in our lives. Remember what Job said in Job 1:21 " The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Another thing that happens when we transfer ownership to Him is that He can be trusted to change some unhealthy money management habits. These habits can cause debt, worry for today and anxiety for the future. They can also rob us of the joy of sharing with others and being a part of one of the greatest honors of all: helping to fund the Great Commission.

When our brand new car gets hit, watch our reaction change when we understand it is God's car and not ours. When our retirement account shrinks by 30-40% what a different outlook we can have knowing it is God's and not ours. Even when we lose a loved one, we can enjoy a peace in understanding that even that most precious relationship belongs to God.

Our entire culture and society is built upon the foundation that we are the owners of our property. Giving up ownership is not easy, nor is it a once and done transaction. It is however a tremendously freeing experience and the first step to understanding what God's economy is all about. Proverbs 10:22 is rapidly becoming one of my favorite verses: "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it". The starting point for a trouble free financial life is surrendering ownership to God.

I would really enjoy hearing some of the ways that you have found helpful in turning ownership of your stuff over to God.