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What if money does not buy true happiness?

Maybe you have said or thought: If I had more money, life would be easier. I would be happy, finally content, and at peace. Many of us feel this way—especially when we compare our lives to wealthier people, social media influencers, or even to our richer friends.

But Jesus—the Rescuer from sin and death—is the only One who brings you true joy, freedom, and peace. He once told a story about a young man. We will read the full story over the next few days together, but here is how it begins: A younger son asks his father for his inheritance—basically saying, “I want your money now.” Like so many of us, the younger son believed that money is the fast track to freedom and happiness.

With his pockets full of his inheritance, he traveled far away. At first, doing whatever he wanted and spending all his money on wild living was exciting. But that lifestyle did not fulfill him. The same is true in our lives today. Jesus calls it a life of sin—thinking, speaking, and acting in ways that go against God. Sin can seem fun or freeing for a moment, but it always leads to emptiness.

And when the son’s money finally ran out, the people who once felt like friends suddenly vanished from his life. He lost everything.

Maybe you know that feeling. You want more—more money, more freedom, more success—hoping it will finally make you happy. But, like the son that you will read about in the story discovered, chasing the wrong things only leads to emptiness, not joy.

Here is the truth:

You can spend your whole life chasing wild living, but God is the only One who will truly satisfy you.

Only God can replace your emptiness with true joy, freedom, and peace for you mind and heart.

Reflection Question:

What are you chasing—money, acceptance, success, or something else? Is it pulling you toward God or pulling you away?

Prayer:

God, help me see that only You will truly satisfy me. Show me the parts of my life where I chase after things instead of You. Teach me what real joy looks like and help me trust Your way. Amen.