These days, a lot of us are feeling the squeeze of financially tough times. Between inflation and the rising cost of housing, groceries, education, and more, it’s no wonder a recent report found that up to 90% of Americans are stressed about money. As a freelancer myself, there have been plenty of months lately that have left me biting my nails about paying my bills.
It’s easy to let my worries run away with me when financial fears loom large. But rather than let myself spiral into anxiety, I try to ground myself in God’s Word. There are so many touchpoints in the Bible that remind me that he is in control of my financial situation — and everything else. These seven Scripture passages always bring me back to a place of trusting God for his provision:
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- Matthew 6:31-33: So do not worry and say, “What are we to eat?” or “What are we to drink?” or “What are we to wear?” All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
What’s really important in life? This section of the Sermon on the Mount answers the question succinctly. Putting God’s kingdom first and striving for holiness are the top priorities in the Christian life. When these things are put in the proper order, I can rest in the knowledge that material blessings will follow. God takes care of his people just like he takes care of the lilies of the field and birds of the air.
- Luke 6:38: Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.
I’m a firm believer that generosity begets generosity. I’ve seen it in my own life time and again! Luke 6:38 confirms that when we are enthusiastic givers, we also receive blessings in return. It’s a call to action to keep up with my tithing and giving of my time and talents, knowing that God will always come through for me as well.
- 1 Timothy 6:6-9: Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
I’m totally guilty of choosing to be discontented, even when I have more than enough possessions or money in the bank. Often, comparing my financial situation with others’ leads me to desire more than I really need.
As 1 Timothy 6:6-9 points out, though, as long as the basics (like food and clothing) are covered, we don’t need much more to live a happy life. There’s no point in chasing after money for its own sake. Godliness is a reward more precious than any number in my checking account.
- Philippians 4:6-7: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has been my favorite Scripture passage since childhood. It’s a promise that when we bring our requests (financial or otherwise) before the Lord, he responds with a gift of peace beyond worldly understanding.
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- Proverbs 13:11: Wealth won quickly dwindles away, but gathered little by little, it grows.
The world is full of proverbs about money (“a penny saved is a penny earned,” “a fool and his money are soon parted”), but if you ask me, the Book of Proverbs has a lot more wisdom than pithy sound bites.
Take Proverbs 13:11, for example. This simple statement is a reminder that the path to financial security is usually slow and steady, rather than lightning fast. It’s always helpful for putting my financial situation into long-term perspective. With patience and diligence, I can earn and save incrementally.
- Deuteronomy 8:18: Remember then the LORD, your God, for he is the one who gives you the power to get wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant he swore to your ancestors.
Ultimately, my financial success is in God’s hands. He gives, he takes away. Wherever I land on the spectrum of wealth, Deuteronomy 8:18 calls me to thank him for providing me with the skills to make money in the first place.
- Matthew 7:9-11: Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
Sometimes I forget that, like a devoted parent, God wants the best for me. When money issues have me stressed out, I approach him with fear or trepidation, begging like I’m a stranger, rather than his beloved daughter.
In this passage, Jesus assures me that the Father’s desire is to provide me with good gifts, not a metaphorical lump of coal in my stocking. Embracing my parent-child relationship with God allows me to come before him believing that my financial requests will be granted in his perfect time and perfect way.
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Finding peace and security about my finances all comes down to trusting God. I’m far better able to find that trust when I immerse myself in his Word. For me, these passages are a great starting point.
