Let's face it - there are quite a few situations that can cause financial anxiety. We have gas prices and inflation running out of control. We have a war raging in the Ukraine. There is more debt accumulating than the eye can see. The stock market is down quite a bit year to date. Finally, we have questionable leadership in Washington that is leading the way.
What could go wrong?
We have a choice when it comes to our reaction to financial stressors that cause fear and anxiety. We can filter our reactions through the eyes of God and His promises for us, or we can choose to filter through fear.
I write this post to you, as well as to me, as a reminder of those promises. Unless we practice the discipline of prayer and actually talk to God, we will probably choose fear over love every time. The reality is you can only hold one emotion at any given time, and it is a choice (actually, that is the good news!).
You have the choice to react through the filter of fear or through the filter of love/God’s eyes. That is within our control. In fact, our reactions are the only thing we have control over. The challenge is that when financial fear takes over, we have a human nature response to put God on the back burner and allow fear to dominate our focus.
Of course, there are many great verses and promises to focus on in the Bible. I focus on these four when fear dominates:
Deuteronomy 31:6
New International Version (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 46:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Remember -you have a choice!