Hosanna Restoration Church

There is chorus that says, “Let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done.” In James, he encourages the poor to be glad because God has honored them. Does that mean that it is an honor to be poor? Should we all seek to be poor so we can be honored? I don’t think so. If that were the case, then God would have made sure that Abraham was poor. He would have sent Israel out of Egypt with nothing. He would have left them poor. I believe the honor God gives the poor is the understanding of His word and His ways. When we are poor, we can be glad that God is for us. This gives us faith to rise up out of our poverty. Many who were poor have done this very thing as they gained understanding of the Word of God.

I also do not believe that it is only financial poverty that we are talking about here. There are lots of ways that we can be in poverty. For to be poor is to lack and the Bible says that God’s children need not lack any good thing. Truly, many in Christianity have worn poverty like it was badge. People have even taught that somehow to be poor made one a better Christian. But how is God honored when our lives reveal no benefit in being His child. Don’t get me wrong there is no shame in being poor either. It is only a shame if we do not get understanding from God. Remember, James had just written about joy in struggles and getting wisdom from God.

To the rich, James says they should be glad because God has humbled them. Let’s face it, no matter how rich someone might be, compared to what God has they are small potatoes. What a wonderful day that is when God reveals this to the rich man. What a privilege it is to see God with understanding and realize our proper place. How many who are very rich are also very miserable? Riches cannot buy happiness. Sometimes the richest people are the poorest of all. Riches can only buy things that can never produce true happiness. However, let that rich man get understanding of the things of God, and suddenly those riches take on a whole new personality. Suddenly they can be used to produce joy that lasts.

So when you are poor, seek the Lord for wisdom concerning God’s plan to supply your needs according to His riches in glory. Be glad that He cares. For truly we all lack in one area or another. In fact God cares so much about the plight of the poor that He promises blessings to all to care for them. It is okay to pray for God to use someone to bless you. The provision is out there. And let the rich rejoice that God cares enough to allow them to see His perspective on their wealth. Then they can have true riches.

And remember, poverty and riches do not apply only to money and possessions. So if you feel poor, be glad, and seek God. When you feel rich, remember God is still richer.