You may, in the course of life, find yourself faced with financial uncertainty or hardship. You may be losing the battle against debt, unable to cover an emergency expense, or you may simply be reaping the consequences of uncontrolled spending or poor financial decisions.
Regardless of the reason for your troubles, not knowing how you will pay your bills or provide for your family going forward causes immense stress. Sometimes, it feels like there is nothing you can do to get out of this hole, and you’re overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness.
It doesn’t have to be that way. God doesn’t mean for you to live your life unsure about whether your needs will be met. Still, many of us lack the biblical knowledge, or the faith to live out that knowledge, which would give us victory and hope even in the most desperate circumstances.
There are some scripture-backed steps you can take to find encouragement and resolution to your financial problems.
Remember that God owns everything.
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2, NIV
In the midst of financial turmoil, we lose sight of the big picture. We think that wealth and resources are distributed by the government, or by our employer. When those two sources don’t provide financial relief, we feel we have no options.
In times like that, it’s important to remember that the earth is the Lord’s as well as everything in it. Everything. Every cent of money, every home, and every job belongs to God, and he can choose to give and take away at his own discretion. He can create jobs, money and material possessions where there are none. Don’t lose faith when you don’t see where your provision may come from. Trust the God who is the creator and owner of all things to distribute what you need to you.
Fear and honor God in your life.
“Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:9-10, ESV
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18, ESV
God doesn’t bless just anyone financially. His promises aren’t universal. God promises to bless and provide for his children. Those who are called by his name, who remember, fear and honor him in all their ways.
If you’re living your life apart from God, not obeying his word, and only praying to him when you’re desperate, you can’t expect to receive financial blessing, or any blessing, from God. However, if you acknowledge him in all your ways, not only will he direct your paths, but he will see to it that you lack nothing, and that you have the power to gain wealth and provide for yourself and your family.
If you’re far from God, don’t be afraid to appeal to his mercy and forgiveness in your time of need. If you confess your sins and repent, he is faithful to forgive you. He loves you and wants you to turn to him to have your needs met, rather than trying to rely on your own strength.
Give to God what is his, even if you have little.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-12, ESV
The temptation when you hit a financial struggle will be to stop giving to God. After all, 10 percent of your income is a lot of money, and it could provide some much-needed relief in other areas. But that’s the worst thing you can do. Times of need are not the times to start robbing God.
God is so bold in the promise to bless those who tithe, he dares you to try him. He promises that if you are faithful to give to him, he will pour out an overflow of blessing until you don’t have any needs. He also promises to protect you from those who might destroy the fruits of your labor.
Don’t rob God. Take him up on his offer to test him, and watch your blessings and your faith increase as a result. And remember the overarching promise of provision that God gives to those who believe in him and are generous with what they have:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, ESV
Article submitted by Aaron Colen:
Aaron Colen is a copy editor for the Dallas Morning News, a freelance sports reporter for the Denton Record-Chronicle and a published blogger. Formerly the Sports Editor for the Chickasha Express-Star and freelancer for The Sports Xchange wire service