A devotional on money goes deeper than budgets. Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) says to keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said he will never leave you nor forsake you. Real security is not found in a bank balance but in God’s presence.
Key Verse
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
The Pull of Money
Money itself is not evil. It is a tool that can feed families, support ministry, and bless neighbors. But loving money exerts a powerful pull. It promises safety, status, and control. It whispers that if we had just a little more, we would finally be at peace.
The writer of Hebrews calls us to keep our lives free from that love. It is a daily choice, because the pull never fully goes away.
Contentment Is Learned
Contentment is not pretending we have no needs. It is trusting God with them. It grows when we practice gratitude for what we have rather than fixating on what we lack. It grows when we stop comparing our lives to curated images of others.
Lent is a helpful season to examine our spending and desires. What do we buy to soothe stress? What do we envy? Honest answers can lead to freedom.
The Promise Behind the Command
Notice the reason given: God has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Our contentment is rooted in his presence. Money can be lost in a moment. God’s presence cannot. When we know he is with us, we can hold money loosely and give generously.
This promise is especially precious when finances are tight. If you are facing debt, job loss, or rising bills, God has not abandoned you.
Practical Faithfulness
Trusting God does not mean ignoring wisdom. Make a simple budget, avoid unnecessary debt, save when you can, and give generously. If money worries are overwhelming you, talk with a trusted friend, a church leader, or a reputable financial counselor. Asking for help is part of wise stewardship.
Today, Try This
List three things you are thankful for that money cannot buy. Then look at one recent purchase and ask what need you were really trying to meet.
Reflection Question
Where does money compete with God for your trust and affection?
Prayer
Father, everything I have comes from you. Free me from the love of money and teach me contentment. Thank you that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me use what you give me wisely and generously, and trust you with my needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hebrews 13:5 mean?
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) calls believers to avoid the love of money and to be content with what they have. The reason is God’s promise never to leave or forsake his people, making his presence our true security.
Is it a sin to have money?
No. Scripture does not condemn having money, but it warns against loving it, trusting it, or gaining it unjustly. Believers are called to steward money wisely, avoid greed, and use resources to love God and others.
How do I stop worrying about money?
Bring your worries to God in prayer, remember his promise of presence and provision, practice gratitude, make a realistic budget, and seek wise counsel. If anxiety persists, talk with someone you trust or a counselor.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about faith
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: read: Devotional on Envy
- Related: Devotional for Stress: My Peace I Give to You
- Related: Treasure in Heaven Devotional: Matthew 6:19-21
- Related: Earth Day Devotional: The Earth Is the Lord’s (Ps 24:1)
- Bible Verses by Topic