We see governments, not only in America but around the world, scrambling to stop the hemorrhaging of the financial markets. Stock funds are dropping, banks are closing, jobs are disappearing and people are in a panic. A family in India committed suicide in the last few days due to the downturn in the economy. It is reported that a wealthy 47 year old investor also committed suicide by stepping in front of a train last week in another country. When money is what you are living for, it is clear that your foundation is terribly insecure.

Those who pursue wealth for wealth’s sake will end up sadly disappointed and filled with hopelessness. Listen to what these people had to say about their wealth:

“I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness.” — John D. Rockefeller

“I know of nothing more despicable and pathetic than a man who devotes all the hours of the waking day to the making of money for money's sake.” — John D. Rockefeller

“I am the most miserable man on earth.” — John Jacob Astor

“What can I say? I only know that I am desolate.” — J. Paul Getty

“I was happier when I was doing a mechanic's job.” — Henry Ford

“Millionaires seldom smile.” — Andrew Carnegie

“Money often costs too much.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love.” — John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Yet millions of Americans spend every day trying to get more so they can build bigger houses, drive the newest cars, take luxury vacations and retire early so they don’t have to work anymore. Tragically in the pursuit of this they discover it can’t bring peace or joy to your life.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.”

The Apostle Paul writes in I Timothy 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”