With the hope of winning a record jackpot, Americans bought millions of tickets in a lottery in early 2012. The odds of winning were a staggering 1 in 176 million, but people stood in queues at newsagents, petrol stations and supermarkets to buy a chance to become rich. Something inside us makes us think more money will solve our problems and improve our lives.

A man identified in the Bible as Agur had a different perspective on riches when he asked God to grant him two requests before he died.

Firstly, he said, “Remove falsehood and lies far from me” (Prov. 30:8). Integrity (honest living) is a key to living without anxiety. When we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear. Deceit enslaves; honesty liberates. Secondly, he said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me” (v.8). Contentment springs from trusting God as our supplier and gratefully accepting what He provides. Agur said of the Creator that He “established all the ends of the earth. . . . He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him” (vv.4-5).

Integrity and contentment are riches of the soul that are available to all. Our Lord is pleased to give these treasures to everyone who asks.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread