PursuingYHWH

First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Proverbs 30: 8-9

My Bible says that the sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh contained this message.

I have no idea who Agur was so I did a quick search. Apparently, it’s not clear who Agur was. Some think he was a respected man living during or after the time of Solomon and then others, Jews, think he was Solomon himself writing under a different name. Either way, from my experience in life I see that this holds true.

I remember when I first read this verse it resonated with me. It struck me hard as being solid because I had come to this conclusion a few years before reading this verse.

I worked in finance for a number of years. Specifically in investment management working in analysis for an institutional investor, then working on the trade desk for a short stint. I later worked in the private equity space in analysis followed by working for the largest RIA, registered investment advisor, in San Diego.

What I learned from all of my experience was watching people idolize money, assets, wealth. How much is that person worth? How much in AUM? How many houses does he have? Does he take a helicopter to work? These are what filled the thoughts of many in the field of finance. It consumed them. They didn’t know their wives, nor their children. At every opportunity they had, they traveled and tried to get out of duties a husband and father should do instead pursuing the next client, the next stock, bond, real estate asset to acquire.

There is nothing wrong with trying to do better for you and your family but when money/assets becomes the focus and the most important thing in your life, that is dangerous and wrong.

People in this realm do not depend on anything but their wealth. They pay no attention to God nor ask for help. Their confidence was in their bank account, in their many assets. I heard it a few times, “God helps those who help themselves.” This captures the attitude of those in this trap.

Thank Jesus, it was very clear to me that I didn’t want to end up like that.

I also knew what it was like to not have any money. I was never poor as my family was lower middle class but when in college money was tight. I could afford fast food but that was it. I remember being hungry at times but had to wait a few days before I received money from my parents as I didn’t always have a job while in college.

I learned that for me, I didn’t want to be poor because it sucks being hungry and not being able to do things but I don’t want to be rich because people tend to forget God as they depend on their wealth and themselves. Being in the middle is the safest place for me.

This verse hit me like a ton of bricks. Yes, that is what I have found through observation in this life was my thought when I read this verse.

I do have to say, when I pray I ask God to make me well off. Not rich, not wealthy – just well off. Meaning, I’m able to be financially stable without working for an employer, a W2. That my family lives in a nice home in safe area, that we can eat good food, have a medical care plan, and travel. That is a “rich” life to me but I’m not interested in being rich or wealthy with money, a bunch of houses, etc.

However, I always ask the Lord to do His will, His way. To always keep me at His feet depending on Him for every single aspect of my life.

And in the name of Jesus I pray that He shower you and your family with His Holy Spirit, His blessing upon your family’s financial situation, His constant presence.

Have a great Thursday in Jesus name.

Your brother in the trenches,
Dave