What do you fear the most? There is probably a top ten list of fears that covers most people’s answers. I would suggest that financial fear is near the top for most people.
Financial fear comes in all shapes and sizes. Will I have enough money at the end of the month? Will I ever retire? Will I ever get out of debt? Will I have enough to satisfy my IRS obligations? Will I have enough for ____?
Fear can consume you and overcome you. It can become your "go-to" emotion. Here is the problem with fear. As we focus on it in our lives, it expands in our life. We attract more of what we focus on in our life. We slowly become what we focus our attention on.
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…."
As you read that verse, consider that 'heart' was another word for 'mind' in Hebrew. Heart and mind go together. How else do you think in your heart without a connection to your mind? You are what you think about it. The Proverbs also say this.
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Guard your mind! You are what you think about it... everything flows from it.
Financial Fear is our irrational interpretation of what could happen in our life based on the interpretation that God is not in control. If we really believed that God is in control, we would not even entertain financial fear.
Here is the good news today: It is our choice as to what we focus on. At any given time, you have the choice to focus on fear/negativity or God/love. Said another way, you have the chance to get your mind right given every moment of the day based on how you believe and what you focus on. In fact, you are incapable of focusing on both love and fear at any same time. It is one or the other. It is a choice.
Jeremiah 29:11
"'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.'"
That is His promise. Oftentimes, we just depend on those promises without doing our part. You have to do your part. First, you have to believe and have Faith. Second, you have to put the work in. That is about seeking counsel and putting a plan into motion to change your financial situation. Finally, you have to expand your Faith to wipe out any doubt.
Doubts are your biggest wall to progress.
I think that you will find the greatest battle for your mind and heart is whether you will choose Faith in God or dwell in fear and control.