Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

During the global financial crisis of 2008, a widow lost one third of her income when her bank stocks no longer paid dividends after her bank failed. Everyone was thinking at that time, “What is secure anymore?”

Tragedy and hard times always shock our thinking. Our best planning and hope can be shattered by events beyond our control. We are reminded that there is only one source of real security in a changing world. Paul the apostle wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

When our resources diminish, we can grow richer in good works, generosity, and sharing with others. If financial stability returns, we can hold more loosely what we are entrusted, trusting only in God. Ps. 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Also Ps. 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We should always remember that God alone is our real security.