“But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLT
Money. I’ve often wondered how different my life might be if I had enough money to buy everything I wanted and travel to the places I desired to see. I wondered what I would do if I ever won the lottery, though I have never played any lotteries. I thought I would bless the church, pay off my children’s debt, as well as mine. But these things were only fantasy.
I grew up with everything I needed, and a few things I wanted, but my family was like most then, living from paycheck to paycheck. After getting married and having children, I remembered having a dollar and change to go to the store and buy bread and bologna so my children could have something to eat. If I had $25.00 to spend for weekly groceries, it was a good week. I learned how to fill family bellies with what God provided.
As time passed, and the family grew with a new marriage, we still struggled. I couldn’t afford to buy the leather school jackets for my children who were in high school so they could dress like their peers. Life was difficult and work hours were long. But we made it through without suffering because God always provided.
Today I am a widow, all my children and most of my grandchildren are adults. I still live paycheck to paycheck, though they are monthly now, not weekly. I have learned how to distinguish between want and need, mostly. I realize nothing I have is mine. It is all provided by God through his goodness. As I look back on my life, I see how rich it has been without having a huge bank account. I have been truly blessed by the things that really matter. And I’m grateful.
What do you dream about? Do you believe money will solve all your problems and make you happy? What if you are looking for happiness in earthly treasure instead of realizing the treasures God offers?
Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to remember not to place my trust in worldly things, but to trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Carol Ann Erhardt, Author 