Riches We Can Trust
In one hour, all this wealth was wasted. (Rev. 18:17)
Rev. 18; Ps. 23:5 and 102:25-26; II Cor. 4:15-16; I John 2:15-17
What Is God Saying?
Left to our instincts, people prize most highly the things we can possess. To see material things in their true light is to see how easily they disappear. Rome called Babylon the Great, was the wealthiest and most magnificent city in antiquity. "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great. The fruit for which thy soul longed has gone from thee, and all thy dainties and splendor are lost to thee, never to be found again" (Rev. 18:2,14).
God knows we need material things to exist in these bodies and this physical world. He knows, cares, and provides (Matthew 6:32). But there is only one safeguard against the heartbreak of material loss: to live for Him who is forever and who gives forever to those who seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness."
How Does This Apply To Us?
Because this material world presses in on us, we need to center our thinking on spiritual realities and distinguish between the riches of the spirit and the riches of material abundance. Living a life of sacrifice for the things of His Kingdom and for the welfare of others in the spirit of God's love is hard to maintain. Our prayer should, therefore, focus on things that cannot be laid waste, such as the riches of God's love, His love for us, and our love for Him.
Pray With Me
Lord, You are the Creator-God, the Source of all good. You are the Owner of all things. I would quiet my heart and see everything in perspective. Even the wealthiest fortunes are insignificant compared to the Pearl of Great Price: a soul redeemed and homeward bound for God. Our riches will not be gone in one hour, year, or century. Forever is not enough time to enjoy the riches that are mine in Christ, now and ending never.
These are the riches I will prize. In these riches alone, I will place my trust. These are the riches Christ brought to me in His nail-pierced hands. These are the riches He holds for me. Thieves cannot break through and steal. Moth and rust cannot corrupt. Inflation cannot consume. War cannot ruin the fortune I have received and shall keep on receiving in Christ.
Help me to hold only those riches that will keep for eternity. Help me to remain unchained to all other riches.
In the name of Christ in whom are the wealth of redeeming love and all the riches of glory. Amen.
Moving On In The Life Of Prayer
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
(Helen Howarth Lemmel)
In prayer, all the clamorings of the body and spirit are stilled. We turn from the struggle for the world’s wealth and power to the eternal fruits of the Spirit.
