Christians know the command to “be anxious for nothing,” but when a whole economy seems to be crumbling, that’s easier said than done.

Financial stress can quickly slip into financial anxiety, as Christian counselor Jeremy Lelek has seen in his practice. Communication, relationships, and transparency can dry up before couples realize it.

“As people are recognizing the reality of financial strain, it’s obviously increased stress in their lives,” he says. “[There is] a lot of discouragement, a lot of depression, a lot of anxiety as a result of the financial situation that we’re facing right now.”

And the solution to financial anxiety requires more than a sermon.

“What does it mean to be anxious? That means I’m anticipating a negative outcome. That’s why we have to change our whole mindset,” says Deborah Pegues, author of “Financial Survival in Uncertain Times.”

Pegues and Lelek agree that financial peace depends on much more than the state of the economy or personal finances.

The road to peace in the midst of economic anxiety can be a long one, but everyone can take the first steps to develop a practical, faith-filled response.

Step One: Recognizing Denial

“The truth hurts and we don’t want to face that truth,” says Pegues

Denial can easily become the de facto choice because of financial illiteracy, entrenched habits, and mounds of debt. So for some, the first step is simply recognizing how much you don’t know.

Until job loss forces people to take a look, Pegues say, it’s easy to ignore potential problems. Afterwards, when the panic has set in, it’s almost too late.

Taking a couple hours now to assess living expenses and basic financial responsibilities can prepare you emotionally as well as financially. Even though honest assessment can be humbling, the process can reduce uncertainty and help people strategize.

“It’s almost easier to shut your eyes to all the practicals and say, ‘I’m just going to trust God!’, put your fingers in your ears, hum a happy song and try to trust God in the middle of this,” says Pastor Ken Delage of Kingsway Community Church in Midlothian, Va.

“For me, the hardest place to be is engaged with the details, seeing really what’s going on, and trusting God at the same time,” he says.

To combat denial – and fear – Kingsway hosted Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University for its congregation and the surrounding community. The financial classes allow people to brush up on their personal finance knowledge, but also encourage the viewpoint of “stewardship” instead of “ownership.”