PROVERBS 23

Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLT)
"Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."

For a long time, I thought life was all about working harder so I could have more. More money, more things, more status. But no matter how much I achieved, it never felt like enough. This verse from Proverbs speaks directly to that tendency in all of us—to keep striving after things that don’t last.

I remember seasons when I was so focused on chasing the next promotion or buying the next upgrade that I barely noticed the good things already in my life. I was worn out, stressed, and always thinking about the future instead of enjoying the present. Even when I reached my goals, the satisfaction was short-lived, and soon I was on to the next thing.

Over time, I’ve learned that contentment doesn’t come from having more—it comes from appreciating what I already have. When I started slowing down and really looking around, I realized I was surrounded by blessings I hadn’t taken the time to enjoy. Simple things like a warm home, people who care about me, and quiet moments when I could breathe and be grateful.

God doesn’t want us to wear ourselves out trying to collect stuff that can disappear in an instant. He invites us to trust Him with our needs and to find joy in the gifts He’s already given. Learning to be thankful and content has brought me a kind of peace that chasing after more never did.

If you feel like you’re always striving but never satisfied, maybe it’s time to pause and ask yourself what really matters. Wealth will come and go, but gratitude and contentment last. God knows what we need, and He promises to take care of us when we put our trust in Him.

Today, I’m choosing to enjoy what I have, to be thankful for each blessing, and to stop wearing myself out trying to find security in things that don’t last.

PRAYER

God, thank You for all the blessings You’ve already placed in my life. Help me to see them clearly and to be content with what I have. Teach me to stop chasing after things that won’t satisfy and to trust that You will always provide. Fill my heart with gratitude and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.