Overview:
Wealthy individuals have managed to increase their wealth since 2009, despite economic uncertainty and rising prices. However, the majority of people are struggling financially, with some even losing what they have. The Bible teaches that obedience to God's word can bring a "spiritual" investment of assurance and blessings. Romans 15:13 says God will fill us with joy and peace as we trust in him, leading to an overflow of hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Them those got shall get; them that’s not shall lose,” are words sung so sweetly by the late Billie Holiday that can apply to our current national economic situation. With the uncertainty of tariffs, rising prices, and chaotic economic policies, many are struggling financially. Yet surprisingly, there are some that are doing well financially. In fact, some people have gotten even richer during these hard times. According to Robert C. Lieberman, Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs at Columbia University, the top 5 percent of earners have increased their wealth since 2009.
The Bible even mentions this kind of strategy when it says in Matthew 13:12, “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” It’s always seemed unfair to me that people who have more (and need it the least) can get more and that people who have the least (and need it the most) seem to lose more. How are those who are in great need going to ever get to be one of those “who have” if they continue to lose?
How have the rich stayed richer? Some wealth strategists say that one successful strategy of wealthy people is to live off the interest from investments and to continue to make investments that will allow them to live off interest. However, considering the recent instability of the stock market it’s hard to imagine making an investment much less living off of the interest from one.
We may not be able to make financial investments, but we can make a “spiritual” investment of sincere obedience to God’s word. The “overflow” of that obedience is an assurance that God will not only hear our prayers but will bless our lives. 2 Corinthians 8:2-7 describes how despite their poverty, the early believers overflowed with joy and generosity despite their difficult circumstances. They were obedient to scripture, gave as God directed them and were blessed.
Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Often, the overflow of peace comes from us submitting the control of our emotions to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also mentions in a few places how God wants us to “live in the overflow.” “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows,” are familiar words from Psalm 23:4-6.
When we are in a vulnerable situation, God will allow those who think they have gotten the best of us to see him pour out blessings in our lives. We have to be bold enough to allow God to protect us even in the face of opposition or spiritual attack. Our “overflow” is the assurance that comes in knowing that God is our “Jehovah Nissi,” our banner who has prepared the path of peace and victory for us.
Shewanda Riley, Ph.D., is the Fort Worth, Texas-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites.