Where is your trust?
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Proverbs 11:28 (NIV)
Money is a good resource, but it is a terrible master. We often think we'd thrive if we had more money and resources. Interestingly, Proverbs says the righteous will flourish. Why? The righteous trust God to provide and take care of them. Most of my concerns around money are that I don’t always believe that God will provide. Have you ever noticed what it says on money? In God we trust, but sometimes isn’t it easier to trust money over God?
The other day, my son said that he’ll buy a Lamborghini and all the stuff he wants when he gets older. He asked me why I don’t have a Lamborghini, and I laughed. But what struck me is how innate it is to trust money even at an early age. The default setting is to think that once you can have this or buy it, life starts. Of course, our desires aren’t quite like my sons' for an exotic car, but I’ve noticed in my life I have begun saying If I just had a little bit more, I could take care of this issue, or buy this thing that would help us. Contentment is hard in the culture we live in. Perhaps the most unsavory secret is that sometimes I wonder if God will truly provide. I don’t say this out loud, but my worry and concern show that sometimes I want more money because I'm not sure I can trust God. So what many of us have isn’t a money issue. Instead, it’s a trust issue.
My kids have never been worried about what they are going to eat, unfortunately, they often complain about what they are eating! I’ve never heard them worry or stress about what the future holds. So when fear comes in, when the enemy tries to attack about trusting God, remember and draw on His past faithfulness. His track record in your life shows that He’s good and He’s got this. Take the stress and turn it into rest. Draw on the past provision of your heavenly Father and let confidence grow in you. You can trust God, not only with your finances, but with your entire life. Rest because He wants more for you than you want for yourself, spiritually speaking, and He will provide.
APPLICATION: Look up to God today for your help!
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to help you walk with Him and trust Him alone. If money or worldly comforts have become security for you, ask Him to help you trust Him alone.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?