When God Puts Gold in Your Empty Pockets

In my fifteen years of walking with God, one thing I’ve learned is this: He has a tremendous sense of humour.

The day after I proposed to my wife, we were walking through Dublin city discussing our priorities and focus for our marriage and future. For her, it was children. For me, my focus was on the condition of my financial situation. I was flat broke, not poor – just broke. FMy concern was simple: as a man, my duty is to be the provider, protector, and presider over all that’s been committed under my care and watch. I didn’t want to start a family without the means to provide everything they needed to prosper and live well.

My wife had little English, and I had even less Spanish, so our conversations were animated with gestures and exaggerated expressions. I told her, “I wish I had to more to offer you…” the playfully added, “…but my pockets are empty” I knew my right pocket was empty so I reach in and turned that pocket inside-out - to communicate, but also to keep the weight of the burden I was personally feeling internally, light and playful.  Next thing I knew, and very much to my surprise, a couple of pieces of gold foil confetti fluttered to the ground.

Not a Miracle—But Providence

Now, the gold foil confetti didn’t miraculously appear in my pocket! It had been my birthday a few days prior. My mother got a confetti cannon for the birthday meal. I seized the cannon when she had her back turned and lifted her out of her skin. Of course, she returned the favour by stuffing the glittering bits down my shirt, in my pockets, and probably would have filled my shoes if it had been possible. Anyway, I believed I cleaned myself up and got rid of all the confetti. Clearly, I hadn’t.

Kingdom economics doesn’t always mean miraculous manifestation. But it does always mean Divine Providence. God, in His mercy and kindness, and in this case, with playful humour, used what already had been to provide for what later would be. In a moment when I was feeling embarrassed and weighed down by natural circumstances, God provided a gentle reminder that, while I am the provider and protector of my household, He is my protector and provider. In a moment when I was low, He provided a moment of Joy and encouragement. When I saw the shimmer of gold fall out of my “empty pockets”, my spirit immediately lifted and smiled heavenward. Our conversation shifted from “What do we need to survive?” to “We can’t fail, what are we going to build together?”

Kingdom Economics: More Than Money

The world says, “Money can’t buy happiness.” True. But let’s be honest—being broke can’t buy anything. Poor people don’t build hospitals, fund orphanages, or send missionaries.

I was broke and had no money in my pocket, but in that moment, I didn’t need money in my pocket. Money in my pocket in that moment would have just sat there, taking up space in my wallet. We had nothing to purchase as we walked and envisioned. What I needed in that moment was only the reassurance of the presence of my God walking in me and through me: The manifested reassurance that I am a son of the Throne, an heir of the Kingdom, a citizen of the divine realm, an ambassador of Jesus Christ, which is of significantly more value than printed, tradable paper.

The Bible doesn’t say money is evil. It says “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is a tool—a magnifier. It reveals what’s already in your heart. If you’re generous, more money will let you be more generous. If you’re greedy, more money will only deepen your greed. Jesus said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10–12)

When Wealth Magnifies the Heart

Abraham – Genesis 13:2; 14:14–24
Rich in cattle, silver, and gold, Abraham used his resources to rescue Lot with an army of 318 trained servants. Yet he refused the king of Sodom’s reward so God alone would get the glory. His wealth amplified his covenant faithfulness and hospitality.

Job – Job 1:1–3; 29:12–17
“The greatest of all the men of the east” in wealth and influence, Job used his means to deliver the poor, defend the fatherless, and protect the vulnerable. His wealth magnified his righteousness.

Joseph of Arimathaea – Matthew 27:57–60
A rich disciple who used his position and resources to give Jesus a proper burial in his own tomb. His wealth amplified his devotion.

Nabal – 1 Samuel 25:2–38
Wealthy but arrogant, his riches magnified his churlishness and ingratitude, nearly costing him his life.

The Rich Man – Luke 16:19–31
Clothed in luxury, feasting daily, yet blind to Lazarus at his gate. His wealth amplified his selfishness and neglect.

Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1–11
Their possession of land wasn’t sinful, but their deceit revealed and magnified the greed in their hearts.

Biblical Wealth Literacy Starts in the Heart

To be literate in biblical economics and wealth, we need a radical revolution of the heart and mind towards what we truly need. The greatest wealth is knowing God as our provider; it is in having a sincere response to the Gift Giver over the gift itself. The gift is always incredible, but when we truly comprehend that fact the GOD! Himself! chose to incline His ear to little-insignificant-me… and bless me with the gift of His response, brother, let me tell you the gift itself pales in weight.

God always exceeds our expectations. When God provides, it is never as we expect. We think we need cash in our pockets, but what we actually need is the actualised presence of God. The gold foil confetti was worthless; it couldn’t be spent, traded or even used. I couldn’t eat it or even burn it to keep warm. Yet it was of eternally more value than a fat wallet. I had, in that moment, reassurance, hope and joy. I say “eternally more value” because again, more than just that specific moment, every time I share this testimony, that same measure of reassurance, hope and joy springs back up again within me! And then the same again, also in everyone I share it with, who has an ear to hear what’s actually being said.

The Joy of the Lord Is Real Wealth

If I could leave you with one piece of financial wisdom from God’s Word, it would be this: Seek a revelation of the joy of the Lord. To authentically have Joy in the things of your Lord. To genuinely enjoy His presence. Learn to discern His signature in every situation and to receive with gratitude the portion He’s given you, of what you actually need.

“Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour… Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth… to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God… because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.” - Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 (KJV)