What It Can't Buy

"This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.'" 
Jeremiah 9:23 (NIV)

I have thought about what money can and cannot buy for a long time.

Money can buy a bed, but it cannot buy sleep. It can buy books, but it cannot buy wisdom. It can buy a house, but it cannot buy a home. It can buy medicine, but it cannot buy health. It can buy pleasure, but it cannot buy contentment.

God is making a point through that list, and it's not subtle. Jeremiah records the Lord's own warning that the wise should not boast of wisdom, the strong should not boast of strength, and the rich should not boast of riches. Not because these things are wrong, but because they are all temporary. 

The Roman Empire was at one time the mightiest force on earth, and it’s gone. Napoleon's army was the most powerful fighting force in the world before Waterloo finished it. Whatever feels most permanent in your life right now is not as permanent as you think.

Your possessions will either leave you while you're alive or you will leave them after you're dead. But God exercises kindness that never fades, justice that never misses, and righteousness that never bends.

When financial stress tightens your chest this week, you can pray before you get anxious. Pray to the Lord, who’s given you everything. You can trust Him with all of it. 

Then hold it a little more loosely today. Whatever you're holding, He is worth more.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I have more trust in my bank account and my own abilities than in You. Forgive me. Remind me today that everything I have comes from You and will return to You. Help me hold it all loosely and know You deeply. In Jesus' Name, Amen.