January 12
True Wealth
in Simplicity
“It is better to have a little and be right with God than to have a lot and be unfair.”
Psalm 37:16 (NIrV)
Lila scrolled through her favorite shopping app for the fifth time that evening. Her cart was overflowing with items she didn’t really need—another pair of boots, a new kitchen gadget, and a sleek leather handbag that promised to elevate her style.
Her days had become a cycle of anticipation and regret. She would eagerly wait for her packages to arrive, only to feel a hollow emptiness when she opened them. The thrill was fleeting, and soon enough, she was back on her phone, searching for the next thing to buy.
One evening, as she sorted through unopened packages piled in the corner of her apartment, her best friend, Elena, dropped by. Elena’s eyes widened as she took in the scene. “Lila, do you really need all this stuff?”
Lila laughed nervously. “It makes me happy… at least for a little while.”
Elena hesitated before responding. “I get it, but do you think all this is filling the void you’re trying to fill?”
Lila’s smile faded. That night, her friend’s words echoed in her mind. She opened her Bible for the first time in months, flipping through the pages until her eyes landed on Psalm 37:16: “It is better to have a little and be right with God than to have a lot and be unfair.”
She paused and let the verse sink in. Was her constant desire for more pulling her further from God? She prayed softly, “Lord, I’ve been trying to fill my heart with things instead of You. Help me see that true joy doesn’t come from what I own but from my relationship with You.”
The next morning, Lila made a decision. She canceled her latest orders and spent the day sorting through her belongings. As she packed up bags to donate, she felt lighter, as though a burden had been lifted. She began to focus on what truly mattered—spending time with loved ones, giving to those in need, and nurturing her faith.
Though the temptation to shop still lingered, Lila reminded herself of the verse whenever she felt the urge. With each small step, she learned to find contentment in simplicity and to trust that God’s provision was more than enough.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true riches come from walking with You, not from the things we own.
Like Lila, we often look for joy in fleeting pleasures, but only You can fill the emptiness in our hearts.
Help us to trust in Your provision and to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with You and the blessings You’ve already given us.
Teach us to find peace and contentment in simplicity.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
