James,
a plumber in his 50’s, looks worried. “I should have saved up a lot of money
when I was younger so I don’t have to face such problems now,” he moans. “I get
called by the main contractor only when he has secured a contract.” Plumbing
work is getting infrequent and irregular.
His
dire financial situation is worsened by the fact he married late. He still has
to support his daughter in secondary school. His son has just finished school; he is
at his wits end trying to find ways and means to fund his higher education.
Osteoarthritis of the knee has limited his ability to take in more jobs. Furthermore,
long-term medication for the ailment is a drain on his meagre savings.
Is
God’s wisdom only relevant in guiding us along the correct moral path? Has
it no relevance to our finances? Doesn't God care for our financial well-being?
Why
not? “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and
godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). His wisdom, guidance and blessings apply to every area
of our lives. And that includes the creation of wealth, gaining favour in the
eyes of our employers, how to run a profit-making business and how to effectively
manage our personal finances.
In
fact, strange as it may seem to some of us, God delights in helping His children make a profit:
Thus says
the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
(Isaiah
48:17).
Which father does not want his
children to prosper in their jobs or businesses? “If you, then, though you are evil, know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).
What He asks of us is that we are humble and willing to trust Him. Are
willing to put Him first? Do we treasure
God’s wisdom above our own understanding?
Trust in
the Lord with all
your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
(Proverbs
3:5-6).
If we
realise He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, then we can better grasp the fact that God is the One who gives us the ability to generate wealth.
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
power to get wealth, that
He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
(Deuteronomy 8:18).
Let us now move on to consider Psalm 37 which is power-packed
with references related to our financial well-being.
In
Psalm 37, we read that God promises to prosper the righteous if we trust Him (verse 3); if we are willing to wait patiently (verse 7) for Him to vindicate us. But we must forsake the negatives such as anger, fretting and envy over
evil men who prosper (verses 7b-8).
The
promises of security (verse 3), abundant prosperity (verse 11) and the right to
possess the land (verses 9,11, 22, 29, 34) all tie in with the promise of material
blessings for the faithful.
However,
believers should not compare their wealth with that of evil men as “better
is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of the wicked” (verse
16). Let’s be grateful for whatever God has blessed us. Enough is enough. Don’t be greedy.
God
supplies our needs (Philippians 4:19). Sometimes He fulfills some of our desires as well. In
fact, one of the most quoted verses is Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in
the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
The
righteous will not be put to shame during lean times (verse 19). He will be
able to give generously (verse 21). Even his children will be a blessing to
others (verse 26).
So
let us meditate on God’s word, affirm the truth and cling on to His
promises. The righteous is like a tree planted by streams of water, thriving and constantly
bearing fruit because its roots go deep into the ground to draw water
and nourishment:
Blessed
is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor
stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but
his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He
is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that
yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In
all that he does, he prospers.
(Psalm
1:1-3).
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http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2013/02/faith-and-financial-freedom.html
DOES GOD WANT ME TO BE RICH?
What does the Bible say about abundance and riches?
http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2012/04/theabundant-life-how-do-we-strike-right.html
DOES FINANCIAL
PLANNING NEGATE FAITH?
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