The Apostle Paul – “Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
The Bible teaches us that wealth can be temporal. The book of Proverbs has much to say about the temporariness of wealth. It says, “Fools spend whatever they get.” (Proverbs 21:20) and “Riches don’t last forever.” (Proverbs 27:24). King Solomon, the very wise and very rich son of King David, writes, “People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15) Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20) Money and possessions are temporary. They don’t often bring contentment to our lives because they aren’t able to satisfy us and we’re always afraid of losing them.
The Bible teaches us that God is always faithful. The Psalmist writes, “For the word of the Lord holds true. And we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4) Jeremiah writes, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah writes, “Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:23) The Apostle Paul writes, “God richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17) He also writes, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV) The Lord is completely faithful. The Lord wants to bless every area of our lives, and will bless us when we put our trust in Him, obey Him, and watch Him respond to our obedience.
W.T. Waggoner was the Secretary of Treasury under President Eisenhower. He was known as one of the richest men in Texas. When he died, someone asked his business manager, “How much did W.T. leave?” The business manager answered, “He left it all.” We’ll leave it all as well. The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, “We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:8) Because of this, we can know that the happiest people in our world are not those who put their trust in their own financial resources, but those who put their trust in the Lord.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY
Ask yourself the following question: What can I do to better trust in God for my provision rather than trusting in my job, my income, or other people? Pray about your response then write it down in your journal or on a piece of paper. If you’re leading your family through this devotion, dialogue with them about how you can better trust in the Lord to provide for you as a family. Then pray, asking the Lord to help you with your plans.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, You are my source, my portion, and my provider. You are all that I need. Help me to always remember that and to always trust in You. In the name of Jesus, Amen