Your core worth as a person is not based on your net worth, even if you feel like it is!
It’s true: “Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don't want..to impress people that they don't like,” said Will Rogers.
When it comes to you just financially surviving and scared of the future, then it’s time for the paradox of patient trust in God while evaluating your situation one more time. I’m looking for an additional job, so I understand what it is like. Fear will keep you stuck, but praising Jesus in-spite of it will let you be greater than the circumstances.
Trusting God in times of financial hardship
Jesus offers us so much more than financial security, more than you can hope for or need. His promises will come true for those who love Him, if not today, then when He comes back. We can find the strength to use our money wisely and know there is a future for us.
What a sad, accurate title: “Millennials say anxiety about money is literally making them sick” published by MarketWatch last year, and it is nothing to laugh at.
Whatever your age, draw peace from frequent time spent with Jesus, speak with Him to find advise in the Bible because we all need God’s supernatural wisdom to help us. To face money troubles, focus on going from feeling stressed to positive about the future.
I have found when I have been driving and I am overwhelmed and rushed, if I praise God in prayer and song, I go thinking about what I can’t control to what I can choose. It reminds me that Jesus does care what I am facing, and is doing something about it even if I haven’t seen it yet.
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Who are you really serving?
“If you ever think you have no value, always remember that God gave EVERYTHING he had to redeem you! He literally bankrupted heaven by sacrificing His Son just to get - YOU! He didn't make that sacrifice for nothing. You don't spend $1,000,000 on a $3,000 car. Your value to God is immeasurable!” -Ben Piershale
What is the driving force in your career and spending habits? Are you doing things unto the Lord or are you to focused on your lifestyle? “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” Matthew 6:24 (NIV). Yet, you can make smart choices about your budget and career to improve them and still seek time with family and Christ.
Benjamin Franklin was spot on when he said, “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” But it feels like having a little extra would drop financial stress, doesn’t it? As my aunt said, “Even if you win life’s rat race, you’re still a rat.”
Some Biblical insight into our troubled times: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV). Intently live the opposite of this list.
Encouragement during financial struggle
When we feel we don’t have enough to help someone, remember how John Ruskin said, “A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.” A couple of the most thoughtful acts of friendship I have received were from those who had little. How about you?
My mom’s faith shows when she encourages me by saying, “Jesus signs your paycheck [for your life].” And it inspires me as does the times she talks about bills that were paid in unknown ways. Don’t let a job hold the power over you that only Jesus should have. I remember how the college I had applied for raised the tuition just before I moved to it, but a grant came through for me so I was able to attend. Thank you, Jesus!
Jesus is a caring Shepherd, the kind who is planning ahead for you: “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I myself will search for my sheep and look after them’” Ezekiel 34:11 (NIV). Trust Him as your team’s leader as you two work through this time in your life. Life is not perfect, but peace, hope, and love are always yours through Christ.
Are you trusting God with your financial needs?
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Young professional Emily writes encouragement from a small, western town. Two of her main focuses are nonprofits and family. Her life is filled with caring for kids, mountain photography, facebook ministry, sweet pets, and finding humor. Knowing what it was like to go through a difficult accident, she frequently illustrates hope as a graphic designer and writer. She is inspired by the extravagant kindness of Jesus’ kingdom.
