Faith in Finances - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 16
Faith in Finances
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Faith in finances is a tough topic to tackle, but is one I have felt the Lord revealing and refining in my own life for the last several years. While it is not always the most comfortable subject, I pray you hang in with me as we both take a deeper dive into what scripture says about our faith, our hearts, and our relationship with the almighty dollar bill.
First, I would like to dispel the myth that money is bad, especially for Christians. The truth is, money is part of our worldly systems and even Jesus understood its role in the earthly realm (see Matt. 22:15-21). We exchange our labor for finances that provide us the means to put a roof over our heads, clothes upon our bodies, and food in our bellies. Money in and of itself is not evil. On the contrary, it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom of God when used properly. The issue with money is not its existence; it is our hearts.
I never was one who thought I had an unhealthy relationship with finances. My family made much out of the little both of my educator parents brought in growing up, and my husband and I have seen various seasons of plenty and seasons of want, yet we have maintained gratitude and even generosity towards others regardless of how much surplus (or lack thereof) there was in the pocket book. However, all of that changed for me after 2020.
Our family owns a business that employs a significant number of people. People who represent families, ours included. We aren’t big, but we aren’t small either. We work hard day in and day out in a challenging industry and have always found a way to persevere through any obstacle. Despite our track record of God always making a way when there seemed to be no way, the economic challenges that arose in 2021 and beyond shook me to my core, literally. I had never experienced fear over finances the way I did these last few years. I struggled with anxiety. I was consumed by fear. In an attempt to “fix” it all, I worked more hours, dug deeper, and clenched my fists tighter around any and every attempt to control fiscal outcomes.
Realizing I was completely off balance, I repented before the Lord and humbly asked Him to set me free from this fear that had begun to control my whole life. The key to my freedom was TRUST. Without my even realizing, I had stopped believing that my Heavenly Father was a trustworthy caretaker. The issue wasn’t the economic challenges. I simply had stopped trusting the Lord.
At the root of all fear is a lack of trust in the Lord, in His goodness, and in His assured provision. God promises He will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). He is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, we have all that we need (2 Cor. 9:8). He also reminds us that He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air. How much more will He then provide for us (Matt 6:25-34)?
If you, like me, find yourself struggling for control over your financial situation, may I encourage you to step out in faith, to let go and let God? For the last two years, I have been on a journey of surrendering this burden each and every day. As I have recited scripture, prayed, and literally laid each monetary care at His feet one by one, I have discovered immense freedom and peace. The same is possible for you. We can keep our “… lives free from the love of money and be content with what we [you] have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are you fearful of your financial situation? Are you losing sleep, hustling hard, or grasping for control to ensure you have what you think you need? If that is you, I encourage you to start a daily activity where you physically “surrender” your cares to the Lord as they arise in your heart and mind. Each time you feel that twinge of fear over a financial circumstance, write it in your journal or on a notecard. Then, put it away. Each time that same worry re-emerges, remind yourself that you gave that one to the Lord. It is in His hands and is not yours to pick up again.
Further Reading:
Philemon 4:19
Matthew 6:25-34
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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