Day 14
Hope in What’s Certain
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. [1 Timothy 6:17]
At first, you may wonder what these verses have to do with hope. Well, in some way, we all struggle with placing our hope in something other than God. When we place our hope in money we think it will get us out of trouble, will solve our problems, will help our relationships… but Paul says that is a trap.
He should know: From what we know of Paul’s background, it is reasonable to expect that he knew something of wealth. He was a Roman citizen, educated by a famous scholar, comfortable among merchants and politicians. We also know from scripture that Paul knew what it was to possess nothing. He went through times of absolute poverty.
Focus on verse 17 for a moment. Paul says, To command those who are rich in this present world…
Believe it or not, you and I are rich. You may not feel rich, but all you have to do is read the paper or watch the news to find out that there is a level of poverty in the world that we do not experience here in the States. So this verse is for each one of us.
Paul goes on to tell us not be arrogant (a side effect of thinking we deserve the blessing of money or we earned this money) and, …not to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain…
Well, the last year has been a huge lesson in the truth of that. Money comes and money goes, and lately it just goes!
Paul says instead to …put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
I love this! Paul doesn’t just tell us to trust God; he reminds us that we are putting our hope in a good God, a God who richly provides
for each of us and wants us to enjoy what He has provided. This is easy to read, but hard to do. We are all wrapped up in money in some way. How refreshing to release our grip on money and hope in God, watching Him provide for each need.
Question to Consider
In what ways do I struggle with placing my hope in money? How would that struggle change if I put my hope in God?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for all You’ve richly provided for me. I acknowledge that it is a blessing from You.
