Let's be honest: Being poor in this world can really stink. And here we're not talking about desperate poverty, which is an affront to human dignity and must be opposed, but the more "friendly" poverty that just keeps us from getting some of what we want.
We might look around, especially on social media, and see rich people doing all kinds of glamorous things, traveling to distant places, and spending insane amounts of money on a new, bigger home.
It can be tempting to get angry with God when we are poorer than we'd like, asking him why he doesn't provide for us, as we look at all of our neighbors who own everything we want.
What should we do in such a situation? Has God cursed us in some way?
Rich in spirit
St. Francis de Sales comments on this topic in his book Introduction to the Devout Life. He explains the proper disposition we should have when materially poor:
There are two great privileges connected with your poverty, through which you may acquire great merit. First, it is not your own choice, but God’s Will alone, which has made you poor. Now, whatever we accept simply because it is God’s Will is acceptable in His Sight, so long as we accept it heartily and out of love.
It's important to remember that God has been guiding your life and is concerned about your spiritual wellbeing. He allowed your poverty for a reason and so we need to learn to accept it as coming from his hand.
St. Francis de Sales further comments that this acceptance of poverty can lead to a truly "rich" spirit:
Do not be ashamed of being poor, or of asking alms. Receive what is given you with humility,
and accept a refusal meekly. Frequently call to mind Our Lady’s journey into Egypt with her Holy Child, and of all the poverty, contempt, and suffering they endured. If you follow their example you will indeed be rich amid your poverty.
When we are poor, it can be difficult to ask for help from other people. Especially in the current culture, we do not want to seem weak or incapable.
Yet, we will only find peace when we are able to accept lovingly the poverty that God allows for us.
