A ‘worrier’ is storing ‘treasure’ in the wrong place. If what you most value can be taken away or destroyed, then you set yourself up for anxiety. – (“Don’t Worry: Luke 12:22-34,” Seeing with New Eyes by David Powlison, p.115)
This summer, I found myself awakening in the morning, only to hop on the internet to check my stock portfolio. With stinky breath and a growling stomach, I found myself compulsively logging into my E-trade account to get my jolt of energy for the day. The Lord graciously revealed to me that I was trusting in money for my future.
It was difficult to see that I had a fearful and idolatrous heart since my stocks did well and I had developed a long term perspective of investing to deal with temporary losses. The Holy Spirit graciously showed me that I had placed a false trust in wealth and established an idol. It is no fun having joy and happiness that is tied to the stock market. In reality, my dreams and ambitions of acquisition are ladders to no where. David Powlison is right. If my treasure is in the wrong place, even if I feel good or everything is going my way, I’m building my house on sand. If what I most value can be taken away or destroyed, I set myself up for anxiety. “Whether it be money, health, a particular friendship, the dream of marriage, success in sports or business, or how your children turn out, you’re building your house on sand.” (p.115)
My idols are cruel masters. I mistakenly believe that things of this world can keep my life long and prosperous. The truth is: security and comforts are ultimately found in God alone. Scripture says, what does it prosper a man if he gain the whole world but lose his own soul? If what I value can be taken away, I set myself up for trouble. Because my treasure is misplaced, I worry about things outside of my control. I become self-absorbed and trust in myself. I give glory to my idols and ask them to treat me well.
Worrying really does nothing. It is stupid and nonsensical. Idols can not answer my prayer. The alternative to worry is trust in the living God. The Lord is near. He is at hand. I need not be anxious about anything. I need not fend for myself. His kingdom will have no end. Let us be thankful and take everything to the Lord in prayer, seeking first His kingdom and glory.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:4-7
Hmm, you play stocks also? Didn’t hear you mention it.
While it is nothing wrong to play with stocks (many stockbrokers and stock related workers out there are Christians, like my ex-boss in my last summer job), we also need to be careful about it. Stock values go up and down, so is your heart if you invested money on it, no matter how small the amount you put in. After all, the reason you invest your money in it is to make profit, otherwise why would you use extra time, money and energy to play with it?
That’s why while my sister also play with some stocks (and have relatively bad mood every time she lost money on it), I don’t want to touch this matter. For me, it is WAY too much pressure to play with stocks – you got to check it out constantly if you don’t want to lost money, not to mention make some money. As bible said, you heart is where your money is.
If you cannot find the balance between playing stocks and your spiritual life, I seriously ask you to consider withdraw the money and stop playing stocks for a while. I mean, if you are not careful, before you know it, you are going to spend more and more time with stocks then with God.