Casandra Martin

Psalm 119:65-72

Materialism almost seems programmed into the American DNA. The American dream is drenched with the possibility and opportunity to have more things. Money provides our culture with a measuring stick of success. We proclaim our national priorities by where we choose to invest our wealth. We buy into the idea that more stuff is going to bring us security and happiness. We try to purchase peace of mind and insulate ourselves from disaster by increasing the size of our bank accounts. It is easy for money, in both overt and subtle ways, to become the standard by which we measure our worth and find our direction.

There is deep beauty in the ninth stanza of Psalm 119. He calls us to turn our eyes away from the sparkles of the world to the grace bestowed on us, the knowledge revealed to us, and the dazzling heart of the One who loves us beyond measure. The things this world values are cold and unfeeling. Money doesn’t walk with you when you’re sick, lonely, or overwhelmed. But God does. His Word reveals His rich promises, unfailing love, and the splendor of being covered by His mercy and carried by His strength.

“The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” – Psalm 119:72

The psalmist reminds us that the value of knowing God’s Word, of listening to His voice, and obeying His commands is greater than all of the money the world can pile up. He encourages us to make Bible study our delight and find our peace in the faithfulness of the Lord.

My Jesus Resolution today is to put a dollar bill in my Bible. Every time I open my Bible and see that dollar bill, I want it to remind me of what’s truly important, of where my true worth lies, and how important it is to value the things of heaven rather than the things of the world. Money is a tool God gives us so that we might take care of our families and serve others. The Bible teaches us not to let that tool become our master.