I've Never Gotten a Scorpion or a Snake
I hate money.
... or maybe it's the love of money that seems to pervade every aspect of life these days...
Either way, money doesn't make me happy.
The politicians are focused on how they intend to spend money for our greater good, people who invested money in the stock market paid a hefty price last week when things came crashing down, and our prison system is filled with people who were so motivated to acquire more money they were willing to lie, steal and sometimes murder to get it. (Why can't we just barter?!?)
I think what makes me the most angry about money is the fact that I need it. I don't particularly want it, but if I'm going to have a roof over my head and gas in my tank and food for my table, I need to have something to trade for these things... and money seems to be the ticket. When I look at my bank account, I have to consider all of this and make sure I'm saving enough to meet these needs - and when I'm not, I start to get nervous. I've lost sleep, I've worked longer hours and I've gone without just to make sure I'm able to survive long enough to do it all over again next month. What's worse, I know there are plenty of people reading this entry who can relate... why?!?
The irony to this dilemma is that I've never been without the things I really needed. I was even homeless for a time and I can't remember ever missing out on anything unless I denied myself for fear of not having enough to last until tomorrow. Despite my worry and anxiety about how I can fund the things I want, I have never known what it's like to truly be without... and I can think of just one reason:
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:9-13)
(To be clear, I'm not saying that those who are truly without aren't asking God hard enough; I think God is trying to use those of us who have resources to help those who don't. Check out this entry to see what I mean.)
In my own experience I still seem to doubt that God will come through for me, despite His proven 100% track record and His promise to always hear and respond. Instead of waiting with expectation for God to meet and exceed my needs, I'm doing exactly what He tells us not to do in Matthew 5 when I worry about how I can take care of myself. I don't need more money, I just need more faith!
God is our loving Father. He wants to help us... all we have to do is ask... and then let Him answer.
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