When I was young, I wanted to be a pop star because I wanted fame and money. For as long as I could remember, my mother and I had been surviving by visiting food banks, and I could not imagine living the rest of my life with this shame that hung over me daily like a raincloud.

At the age of 34, I found myself drowning in a sea of whisky and sinking to the bottom without any money in my pocket. My intense desire for wealth had controlled me and nearly killed me. I begged God to pull me out of this situation. After all, the Bible says that God is always with us. And he heard my cry and rescued me.

  

For nearly four years I have been sober – thanks to my heavenly Father. Turning my back on the idol of money, I made the decision to serve my Master – something I was utterly unable to do when my focus was on trying to become rich. It took many years and much struggling, but because of my decision to follow and serve God, I have received more peace, love and life than I ever dreamed possible. And this is true wealth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that neither money nor any other worldly possession can fill our souls like you can. Amen