Choosing Joy in the midst of Financial Struggles

 
Life can bring many financial strains. No matter how difficult the financial situation you are facing, remember that Jesus is the answer to your situation! We pray excerpt below will show you ways to Choose Joy by trusting God in the midst of your financial situation.
 

Trusting God with Your Financial Future

Howard Dayon, Compass – Finances God’s Way

Faith conquers fear

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as something we hope for that we do not presently have. God’s plan seems to be that we have some needs so that we can develop our faith in Him. It is vital for us to view potential future financial needs as opportunities to exercise and develop our faith.

No Christian can truly serve God and live in fear of financial loss. Jesus makes it very clear in the passage from Matthew 6, that we must make a choice – either serve God or money, we cannot serve both. Fear of our financial future exhibits a lack of trust in God and in His provision. In other words, when we fear the future, we choose to serve the fear of financial loss, rather than to trust and serve God, Who has conquered all fear and holds the future in His hands.

Who do you trust?

We live in a materialistic society and generally base our priorities on desires and wants, rather than on needs. The perspective of what is actually a need is often clouded by what our materialistic society says we need.

Although God has promised that He will always supply our needs, He has not promised that He will supply all of the wants that society calls our needs. Even though we sincerely ask God to honor our request to supply the money to repair our microwave, automatic dishwasher or second car, His answer may very well be “no.”

You see, we may be asking with the wrong motives (James 4:3). It may not be the right time, according to God’s will and purpose (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). Or, it may be contrary to His overall plan (Acts 21:13-14). After all, we are to serve God, not expect Him to serve us (Job 41:11).

It’s a matter of who you put your trust in.

Trust God

There are some important steps we must follow that will help us trust God completely with the present and the future:

  • Find God’s direction for your life. Most frustrations that Christians experience are the result of trying to model their lives after someone else’s life. Instead, through prayer and study, find God’s will for you.
  • Make a conscious effort to trust God. Put thoughts, words and commitments into action and trust God. Don’t buy on credit. Plan ahead and wait for God to supply your needs. Develop a long-range perspective. Trust God’s directives and His guidance (Matthew 6:34).
  • Pray diligently. Prayer is the key that unlocks God’s blessings, power and direction (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

Although we are bombarded daily with events that can cause doubt concerning our financial future, we must never doubt that God is in complete control. Refuse to panic, and do not be governed by fear of the future. Keep your commitments and vows to God, pray without ceasing and trust your future to Him without reservation.