Digging Deeper: Bigger Barns

It’s so easy to look around at what others are doing and feel behind—behind in saving for college, behind in buying the name-brand things, the new cars, behind in vacations and trips, and on and on. But I’ve realized that when I focus on what others have, I start building “bigger barns” in my mind—thinking if I just had more money, more time, or more resources, I’d finally feel secure.

Luke 12:18 tells the story of a man whose land produced an abundant harvest. A good thing, right? Yet instead of using the overflow to bless others or seek God’s wisdom, he decides to build bigger barns—to store more for himself and make life more comfortable. But it wasn’t the harvest that was the problem—it was his heart.

As a mom, I know we carry deep responsibilities. Our instincts often push us toward control and self-sufficiency. But the message in this verse is sobering: abundance without purpose is empty. The rich man was so focused on securing his future that he missed the present. He forgot that the harvest came from God’s hands in the first place.

You may not have overflowing barns, but you might have hungry mouths, unexpected bills, and a fierce desire for a sense of security. Whether we’re stretching leftovers or stretching a paycheck, our comfort isn’t in how much we have, but in who holds us together. God doesn’t ask us to build bigger barns—He asks us to build a bigger faith.

I pray as you go through this day that you’re reminded your worth isn’t found in bigger barns, a magical bank account balance, or in material things. Take a moment to reflect on all that God has blessed you with, and shine that light in your workplace, your schools, and your community.