How Much Money Do We Need To Sustain Ourselves?

Have we ever thought about how much money we really need to sustain ourselves? Do we need hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars? The Bible tells us that we do not really need that much to sustain ourselves. All we really need is just enough sustenance for one day, for tomorrow is not promised (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-14).

An example is found in Exodus 16 NIV, where we find the Lord providing sustenance in the form of manna for His people. They were commanded to gather as much as each person needed — no more and no less (Exodus 16:16 NIV).

Then Moses told them “No one is to keep any of it until morning” or worms would make it not fit to eat (Exodus 16:19-20 NIV).

They were instructed to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day, so they would have enough to eat on the Sabbath day (Exodus 16:22-26 NIV).

In other words, gather just enough to sustain them one day at a time.

God will provide sustenance for us as His people one day at a time in order for us to effectively carry out His will (Matthew 6:30-34).

Dear reader, we don’t need hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. All we need to do is trust in the Lord for His daily provision (Psalm 37:3-5; cf. Matthew 6:25,30).

And then be thankful for what the Lord provides us (1 Timothy 4:1-4).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets