Read: Luke 18:18-30
Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. (Prov. 30:8-9)
I have a British friend who, when asked at the dinner table if he would like another helping, often replied, “No thank you. I have an elegant sufficiency.” That’s a fine thing to have in life—an elegant sufficiency. Not to have so much that we become possessed by our possessions. Not to be stuffed so full of the world and its things that we have no room for God in our lives. John D. Rockefeller, at the time the richest man in America, was asked, “How much is enough?” “Just a little more,” he famously replied. It’s difficult to find your satisfaction in God when you’re always wanting just a little more.
On the other hand, it’s certainly no fun being poor, to be in such need that you worry constantly about paying the bills, having enough to eat, buying clothes for your children, and keeping a roof over your head. That’s not just hard, it’s dangerous. If I’m deprived of life’s necessities, I will be tempted to take desperate and dangerous steps to get what I need.
Following Jesus is costly, as the rich young ruler learned to his sorrow. But the rewards are out of this world. Meanwhile, may the Lord grant us an elegant sufficiency of all we need. —David Bast
As you pray, give thanks for the Lord’s sufficient provision.
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
