Have Some Useless Money

Scripture:
Why should I fear when evil days come,
    when wicked deceivers surround me—
those who trust in their wealth
    and boast of their great riches?
No one can redeem the life of another
    or give to God a ransom for them—
the ransom for a life is costly,
    no payment is ever enough.
Psalm 49:5-8

Observation: This psalm focuses on the fate of those who love and trust in money, and specifically that their money will never be the source of their salvation, redemption, or eternal life. They will die just like beasts do, and their graves - not their rich homes - will be their permanent dwelling place. While the psalmist trusts in their own salvation in the Lord, they do not address how that salvation will be achieved. They instead focus on the fact that all who trust in early riches, be they wise or foolish, will simply die.

Application: At the heart of this sentiment, it is clear that faith in the Lord ... Yahweh, Adonai, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Elohim, Hashem ... is the hope of ones life, and specifically that faith in riches is a path to distraction and false hope. No one can buy their salvation, or pay for the ransom of their sin. Money will never, ever bring one closer to God, and reliance upon money to provide comfort actually drives a wedge between us and God.

I am overly blessed. It is clear I need to have less, and bless others through our plenty. This is a message I will continue to take to heart.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love, a love I do not deserve but which by your very nature you have chosen to pour out upon my family. May we pay it forward. Help us to be a blessing by your blessing. Amen.