Trusting God's Direction Over Financial Gain

 

Daily Reading:  I Timothy 6:6 – 9

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.  A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."

                                                                      Proverbs 16:8-9

The verses above highlight a crucial truth for men today: in our pursuit of financial stability and success, we can easily lose sight of what truly matters—our walk with God.

In this world where we are not citizens, success is often measured by wealth, status, and achievement. As men, we can feel the pressure to provide for our families and secure our futures. While it our biblical responsibility to work hard or strive to meet our needs, we must not allow financial pursuits to overshadow our call to righteousness. These verses remind us that it is better to have little while walking in righteousness than to gain much while compromising our identity in Christ and the integrity of our ambassadorship.

God desires to guide our steps, not just in our careers and finances but in every aspect of life. The Holy Spirit convicts us through the Word of God, revealing areas where we need to align our hearts with His will. We might have plans, but it is God who ultimately directs our path. Submitting to His guidance requires humility and trust. It means surrendering our desire for control and acknowledging that God's plan is always better, even when it doesn't make sense to us.

As we seek to provide for our families, let’s also pursue the wisdom of God, walking in righteousness and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. Our success is not defined by our bank account but by the integrity of our hearts and our obedience to God.

Follow-up Questions:

1. In what areas of your life have you been prioritizing financial success over spiritual integrity?
2. How can you be more intentional about seeking God’s direction in your decision-making through prayer and reading His Word?

Distracted by Discouragement

 

Daily Reading:  II Samuel 16:1 – 12

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

                                                Joshua 1:9

            Do not be discouraged.  In this world you will have trouble.  For our light affliction.  For which cause we faint not.  Scripture says things like this throughout its pages which cross the span of time from beginning to end. 

There are a lot of things that happen in our daily life that can discourage us.  We should expect trouble to come because we live in a broken world.  In different seasons of life that trouble may look different.  The things that trouble children are generally not the same things that trouble the elderly.  A young man in his teenage years is troubled by school work, first jobs, and friendships.  A man in his twenties is troubled by adjusting to marriage or getting a better paying job.  The things that trouble us are generally the things that matter to us at that time.

            II Samuel 16 tells of David’s encounter with trouble and possible discouragement.  David had been faithful to the Lord but Shimei, a descendant of Saul was troubled by David.  Shimei comes out cursing David, calling names, and throwing stones.  The natural response of most men is to defend ourselves.  In fact, Abishai offers to, “take off his head.”  We have probably desired to figuratively do that a time or two when trouble comes our way. 

David’s response is a life lesson for us all.  “So let him curse.”  He doesn’t defend or correct the man.  In fact, David seems to indicate, by recognizing this man as a Benjamite, that he understands why this man sees it the way he does.  David finishes in verse 12 by considering the possibility that God will reward him for this affliction he is enduring this day. 

When trouble and afflictions come our way for simply following God, maybe it would do us well to not worry about what others are saying or doing, but realize people may see things from a different perspective.  Never allow those possible discouragements to distract you from the work God has placed before you.