Money worries. Many of us know the feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm when it comes to money. It can become paralyzing. And this paralysis can crop up anytime — during “normal times” when our jobs are stable, yet the bills still seem too much to handle, and we’re not saving enough. Or, it can come about during times of uncertainty and lack of consistent income, like after a layoff, or during a global crisis, like COVID-19.
No matter when those thoughts begin to enter our minds, and no matter how paralyzing they can be, we know they do nothing to help. If we continue to think about those things and spiral deeper into our worry, it only makes things worse. The other option is to place our focus on the One who provides peace and comfort. Here are God’s promises, including Bible verses about money worries, to help you combat that downward spiral, and stay focused on what’s most important.
How do you stop worrying about money?
First, we know God’s word tells us to cast our anxiety on Him, for He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
Paul also tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
When you begin to feel the stress, anxiety, worry, fear—whatever emotion you have regarding finances—starting to enter, go to the Lord first. Make a conscious effort to not allow the worry to paralyze you and move forward in prayer instead.
Go to the Lord in prayer regarding money worries
We have the ability to pray in the moment, and pray continually, no matter what is going on around us at the time! Praise the Lord!
I love this quote from Corrie Ten Boom:
“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strength.”
Wow! Why would we want to give up any of today’s strength by worrying another second?! Give it over to the Lord. Let Him carry that burden for you, and focus on today’s blessings instead!
By the way, if you need some words and Scripture to guide you in praying right now, I’ve written a prayer just for that purpose. It is included at the end of this article.
When stressed about money, place your trust and your hope in the ONE who never changes.
It helps to remember that our hope is NOT in this world, or in our finances, but in the Lord. Our time on earth is very short and also temporary, even though it’s hard to see that in the moment.
Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
When finances get stressful, we can confidently rely on the Lord, knowing that He is in control even when our money seems out of control.
It’s especially hard to keep this concept in mind when things seem to spin out of control so quickly.
Like when everyone was suddenly forced to go into quarantine within a day’s time and many woke up without a job the next day. In addition to that, 401(k)s plummeted, and overnight, the future turned pretty bleak.
Out of nowhere, our finances, and even our lives, turned upside down, leaving us with little control over them.
But there is one blessing that comes out of this situation. When we start to have struggles in our lives that are completely out of our control, we realize our need for the Lord more than ever. This is especially true with money worry and stress.
Things feel hopeless until we remember God’s promises to us in His Word, cling to them, and begin to take action based on those promises.
What does God say about worrying about money?
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?’
Throughout this quarantine, I’ve been much more aware of the birds chirping outside each day. They don’t have a care in the world. And it’s important to note they don’t have a roof over their head, a pantry full of food for days, and certainly not a savings account in the bank “just in case.”
Yet, the birds are able to remain in action, not paralyzed from fear, receiving the daily food that God provides for them. If the Lord provides for them daily and we are more valuable than they are, then we have no reason to worry!
What we can do is daily trust in His word regarding money worries, and pray for the Lord to provide for us just as the birds are provided for. You may be surprised by His answers some days, and those answers may look very different than you expect, but He WILL provide!
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
It is very hard when we’re stressing over money to remain confident in the Lord, but that’s truly the place we need to be as Christians.
Can God’s Word help overcome financial hardship?
Once you use the power of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and Scripture, to overcome your fear, anxiety, worry, and stress, then you can begin to soundly and logically make decisions regarding the money.
At that point, you must come up with a wise stewardship plan, or budget, for the future. Even when it feels like you have no money left to manage, you still must plan for what you do have.
Just as we are to be intentional about living our lives for Christ, we should also manage our money according to Biblical principles.
And, if we allow it, the Lord can absolutely transform what seems impossible into the possible!
These 10 Bible verses about financial hardship can be very helpful in overcoming a crisis financial situation.
Anytime finances are tight, it can be difficult to know what is important and what can be let go of temporarily if the income is not there. There are basic priorities to take care of first.
Those basic essentials are food, utilities, transportation, and mortgage/rent.
Credit cards are NOT a priority when facing financial crisis and please, please whatever you do, do NOT take out a payday loan. It will be a financial disaster with very long-term consequences!
Take action by creating a plan for your money
Your wise stewardship plan is important at all times, but especially when facing financial hardship. It includes your proactive plan, or budget, for the money you have currently and the money you have coming in as income.
Taking all of the above into account, create your budget, using this Christian budgeting guide. For more guidance or support in budgeting, join our monthly budget challenge here!
Which Scripture talks about financial breakthrough?
Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
God gives us the ability to earn an income through our work. He gives us the abilities, skills, and understanding to do our jobs, and to do them well.
He also gives us many opportunities to work and to earn an income. If you are stuck in your career and ready for a change, or have found yourself unemployed, but yet, you are able to work in some capacity, ask the Lord to provide a job opportunity created just for you.
Continue seeking Him to open doors for employment, and continue being willing to work in any way He allows you to.
We have the ability to get down on our knees and allow the Creator of the universe to do a mighty work in our lives. He can give us creative work ideas, allowing us to make an impact along with making an income to provide for our families.
What Bible verses talk about money blessings?
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
He also provides everything we need, even very abundant blessings along the way.
Even when we feel as though we are lacking in things we need, that is usually due to a lack of contentment, not an actual lack of the Lord’s provision.
It’s also interesting to note the two verses before 2 Corinthians 9:8.
Beginning with verse 6, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
As Christians, we are called to give and to give cheerfully! So, if the Lord has blessed you with an income, then be sure you are giving to where you feel called. Personally, I believe our giving should start with a 10% tithe to our church, and then we are called to give above and beyond the tithe whenever and wherever He leads.
When we give, it takes the focus off of ourselves.
We remember where our provision comes from to begin with. And we are able to make an eternal impact, furthering the Lord’s kingdom through faithful giving.
There is no better way to take the worry away from yourself than when you place your focus on others’ needs!
How do you pray for financial blessings?
Here is a Scripture-based prayer to be a guide when overcoming financial worry and stress. I pray it encourages you and provides hope for your money!
“Father, help me to remember that You provide all my needs. Just as the birds of the air are cared for and provided for daily, I have full confidence you will provide for me and my family in each moment.I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to you, oh God!
You, Father, give me the ability to earn an income, and I pray for the income and provision you will give my family. I pray for opportunities to earn an income. Whether that opportunity looks similar to how I’ve earned money before, or whether the current opportunity I have looks completely different, it is still a way to provide for my family.
I will not allow pride to get in the way when it comes to earning an income with my God-given gifts. Whether I earn significantly more or less than I have in previous jobs, I will be content with what You have given me and will be a good steward of what You currently have blessed me with in my life.
I know that You desire an abundant life for me and my family, and that begins with being content with what I have now. I also look confidently toward the future, knowing that You will provide my every need and much, much more!
Help me to be the good steward I desire to be . Thank you, Father, for Your provision and blessing on my life and for my family. I fully trust you will always take care of me. I praise You for your faithfulness.
Amen.”
