NOVEMBER 20, Psalm 62:10

“Can we stop here at the mall?” Lily asked as they drove past the mall on the way home in their old car. “I want a new blouse and they had some really cool ones here last week.” “We don’t have money for that right now, honey,” replied her mother. “Besides, you really don’t need a new blouse.”

Lily sighed. “I wish we were rich and didn’t have to worry about money!” Her brother, Lucas, grinned. “You don’t have to worry about it,” he said. “Dad does.” “Actually, I don’t, either,” said Dad. “Having a lot of money or things doesn’t bring happiness, Lily. Didn’t you learn that when you got the CD you wanted a few months ago? You were happy for about a week; then you thought you had to have a new DVD. Remember?” Dad glanced at her in the rear-view mirror. “Look!” exclaimed Lucas. “Did it rain? There’s water on the road up there.”

“That’s a mirage,” said Dad. “It looks like water, but it isn’t.” Lucas wasn’t convinced until he realised that something looking like water was always just ahead of them. “That’s a good example of what happens when we think money will solve our problems,” said Mom. “The mirage up ahead seems to promise water, but there’s never any water at all. And money seems to promise happiness, but it doesn’t produce it.”

“Yeah, Lily,” said Lucas. “If you had a new blouse, you’d want new pants. Then you’d want new shoes and then socks.” Lucas laughed. “And then you’d probably want a…” He ducked as Lily aimed a playful swat at him. “Real happiness comes from loving and trusting in Jesus,” observed Mom. “But people who love Jesus sometimes want more stuff too,” said Andrea.

“Sure,” agreed Dad, “but when we really trust Him, we don’t need lots of stuff to be happy.” He smiled. “We should be rich in something, though. Do you know what it is?” Neither of the kids knew the answer. “Okay,” said Dad, “when we get home look up 1 Timothy 6:18. Bring me the answer and get a treat.”

“All right!” exclaimed Lucas. “Is the treat some candy?” Andrea laughed. “That would make you happy, right? Well don’t forget – like Mom and Dad said, that kind of happiness won’t last long!”

Thought: Do you wish your family has more money? That could bring a lot of hidden problems!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to guard myself against greed and love for the things of this world. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.