How much is enough?
“A little more than I have.”
This was the answer a friend of mine was given when he asked a certain reasonably wealthy person when they would stop worrying about money and enjoy what they have. The truth is that this person worries because the goal is always just beyond them. They never reach the point of peace.
Such a person’s goal is always more than they have. When they reach a goal, it moves further away. It will always take a little more. And a little more. And a little more.
Today’s Scripture passage present us with a challenge in light of the present global economic climate. Things are changing… and not for the better. What was considered stable and secure not long ago is no longer dependable.
What then are we to do? How can we be secure and at peace in these times? The writer (I believe to be Paul) gives us this too. The instruction is clear: “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Today’s passage is one of perspective. If something is close to you, it looks larger relative to the background. If it is further away, it appears smaller. The image above is an example. In photography, this is called ‘forced perspective’. The hand appears larger than the person. We know it is not so in reality, but it appears to be so in the photograph because of perspective.
This is a good way to view your circumstances. What do you hold close? What takes up your field of view? Do your circumstances overwhelm you or does God and His greatness cause your background (circumstances) to appear smaller by comparison?
Forced perspective is the way–the only way I know–to do what the writer of Hebrews instructs. When God is greater in our spiritual eyes than our natural circumstances, His peace will overcome the anxiety we would otherwise experience in difficult times.
When we do this spiritually, something interesting happens. Unlike what we see with natural eyes, our spiritual reality can actually become what we see. What happens in the spirit can “come over” to (or manifest in) this reality (Mark 11:22-24).
Seeing from a different perspective is not easy for us. Our awareness wants to stay in what we naturally see. It takes intention and effort to see it from God’s perspective. Though difficult, this is what we MUST do because the truth is that God is infinitely greater than any circumstance or challenge we can encounter. He always has been, always is, and always will be. When we see Him as greater, we are seeing true reality.
I leave you with three questions:
- WHAT do you see?
- HOW do you see?
- WHO do you see?
If you see God as greater than your circumstances, He will be (because He is). On the other hand, if you see circumstances as greater than God’s ability and provision, it will become as you see even though the truth is not so.
This is how enough can be enough and we can rest unafraid in God’s peace regardless of circumstances.
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Jan. 26, 2023:
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Heb 13:5-6 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, in these economically unstable and difficult times, it is easy to think that the more money we have, the more secure we are. Help me understand where true security is. Only in You can I be secure, no matter what happens, regardless of what I do or do not have. Help me to make this not just words I say, but the way I live every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Jan. 26, 2023
With over 40 years in ministry as a pastor, author, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997, one of the earliest online Christian ministries, the first to utilize the Internet as a native media for ministry, and today the longest continuously operating.
His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He resides in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, two incredible dogs, Hadi and Casi, and enjoys hiking and “prayer walks”.
E-MIN Global Ministries 
Hi Randall and Karen, Well said as always. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean NOT on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3: 5-6.
Take care and thanks for so many wonderful years of your ministry to us. Linda Rowe from AZ
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