What’s Your Stuff Telling You?

Where Our Hearts Belong

The small-but-mighty book of Haggai begins like a therapist’s intervention. Looking into his clients’ … errrr, I mean the Hebrews’… eyes, Haggai’s questions unveiled the true issue at play.

“And how does that make you feel?” he questioned—albeit in ancient terminology.

Unphased by the awkward silence, Haggai let them squirm on the biblical couch for more than a few moments. Then, on behalf of God, he recounted their behavioral evidence, allowing them to draw their own conclusions about the state of their mental health.

“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.’” (Haggai 1:5-6)

In other words, “Let’s get real,” said Haggai. “Your stuff is NOT making you happy. It never has; it never will.”

Haggai’s assessment uncovered a searing void in Israelite living. It didn’t matter what or how much they had; everyday life just wasn’t right. There should have been fullness and gladness. Instead, they were empty inside.

They sought love, hope and security in their possessions. They should have focused their attention on the Giver of it all.

Much like the Israelites, we could all learn a thing or two about our emotional psyche by considering what our possessions tell us…

• Each time your stuff doesn’t solve your problems, pay attention.
• After you’re left bored by collections that used to thrill you, listen.
• When you’re hurt by people who don’t like you because of the money you do or do not have, take note.

Our possessions remind us that our hearts belong to more than just trinkets and treasures. We are made for a deep and lasting relationship that begins with our worship of God.

At the end of the day, our money is meant to be used, enjoyed and shared for Him—not become our life’s pursuit.

This article is an excerpt from Barnabas Foundation’s new release, Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit, now available wherever your favorite books are sold.

—

This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2025, Issue 2).