Blood From a Turnip?

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper;   I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Sure, that is easy for you to say. Everything costs money, and it is costing more and more. We can’t live without money. We need money for gas so we can get to work to make more money so we can buy groceries. Mortgages and rentals have gone up. Every time we return around, we pay more for less. But don’t worry—we are better off now than four years ago… not.

Actually, it is easy for us to say and do. There is a difference between what we need and what we want. There is a difference between using money as a tool and idolizing money. I know many who must have the best of everything and boast about it. Most of them do not know Christ. The writer of Hebrews says that the Lord will always provide what we need, not necessarily what we want. This is another difference many have problems understanding. We do not need much to live, but we may want so much more than we need.

The writer of Hebrews also notes that those who are tempted by the love of money often seek their security in their financial resources, not in the Lord. Jesus warned us of this, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV). We can also find great confidence in Joshua 15, where God made the promise to stay with Joshua, saying, “I will not leave you or forsake you.”

When we respond to God with confidence in this promise, we reaffirm to God that we have faith that He is our helper. We are telling God we are satisfied in Him and do not need wealth to be happy. In doing so, we glorify God. This affirmation also sets us free from the fear of many things. This strengthens and displays our trust in God, again glorifying God in our fulfillment.

Do not want anything. Do not be jealous and covetous. Understand that God will provide for you. In times of concern, when bills outweigh income or health issues threaten stability, remain steadfast, as the Lord will always provide. Many times, I have turned to the Lord, and He has provided for me. Not once have I ever doubted Him.

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” We should praise the Lord in this.

Peace and Grace!