READING: Psalms 49, 84, 85, 87
“His wealth will not follow him down.”
Psalm 49:17
Sometimes a devotion is as much a confession as it is a teaching. Today is one of those days.
I’ve spoken the words many times, and I believe them intellectually. I would be lying, though, to say that I think about them often as I work multiple jobs, like good “stuff,” and have grown comfortable with our lifestyle. The words I’m referring to are the words of the psalmist: “For when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down” (Psa. 49:17). Again, I know they’re true, but I need to hear the repeated thoughts of this psalm:
- Wealth can never save me: “They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God” (Psa. 49:6-7).
- We leave behind whatever we save: “For one can see that the wise die; the foolish and stupid also pass away. Then they leave their wealth to others” (Psa. 49:10).
- No matter how much we have, our stuff can’t give us life: “But despite his assets, mankind will not last; he is like the animals that perish” (Psa. 49:12).
Why do I need these reminders? Because, if I’m honest with myself, I admit that I sometimes find my security more in money in the bank than in the God who rules over all. I preach about living for the eternal while I hold on to the temporary; I cling to what I can see rather than trust the God I cannot see. I know the origin of that fear of financial insecurity in my life—and it’s an invalid, wrong one—but still I struggle.
That’s why I need this reminder today. No matter how much I gain in this world, I will take none of it with me.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine if you share any similar struggles. If so, confess them to God.
- Prayerfully and intentionally give away some of your riches today. Trust God to take care of you.
PRAYER: “Father, I confess my tendency to worry about riches. Help me to trust You instead.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 3-5