Anxiety About Money

If I had a million dollars.

We often think of money as a fast track to satisfaction. Yet Ecclesiastes 5:10 points out that the lover of money will never be satisfied. There is never an amount of money that is enough. Money promises security, but it never completely delivers.

If money can’t bring us real satisfaction, then what can? The solution is found in Hebrews 13:5-6, in the advice to “be content with what you have.” Contentment doesn’t come naturally. For many people, contentment is a skill we need to cultivate.

One way to cultivate contentment is to be aware of contentment when you experience it. Do you enjoy a walk in the sunshine, a chat with a friend, or your soft bed at night? When you notice a moment of contentment point it out to yourself, by repeating either silently or aloud, “I am content right now.” You can even keep a little diary where you note down every time you feel content.

Contentment is the opposite of anxiety. Wanting things makes us anxious about money, but recognizing contentment brings peace.

It is important that Hebrews 13:5-6 links contentment with the confidence to say “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Money does not create contentment, confidence in God does. If we notice whatever God has given us today, it strengthens our faith that God will also provide for our future.

Prayer

Thank You, God, for what I have today. I trust in you for an end to anxiety. Amen.

This devotional by Theology of Work Project is available at Bible.com. (MCN)