Hebrews Chapter 13: Verses 5-6 (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
We have seen already how Paul taught that it is not money that is a root of evil, rather the love of it. (1 Timothy Chapter 6 verse 10) and these verses explain how as Christians our attitude should be different. We should not strive for possessions to the extent that we make it a priority. We need to be content with what we have. But in this current economic climate it is difficult for some to even manage to afford basic things. The writer of Hebrews reminds us here that God is our helper and we need never be anxious about meeting our financial responsibilities. If we have a need, we should bring that to God and leave it with Him. Providing we haven’t been foolish or misused what we have, God will ensure that there is provision for us.
Last night I heard the story of a friend’s 17-year-old granddaughter who is currently at college. She wants to go to Tanzania next year as part of a programme organised by her church. The cost of taking part is £1000. Names needed to be submitted by the end of this week. Her parents said she could go, but only if she could find a job that would help with the finance of it. She had, up till then, been unsuccessful in finding one. Her mum suggested they pray about the situation to find out what God wanted. Two days later she was successful in securing a part-time job. God is interested in meeting our practical needs as well as our spiritual ones, but He expects us to bring all aspects of our lives under His direction. And we are reminded in these verses that in doing so we need not be worried or afraid. That really takes the pressure off does it not?
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the assurance that in all aspects of my life You want to be my helper. I am not meant to try and work out everything by myself. Help me not to keep things to myself but bring everything to You, and to act on Your direction. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.