Encouraging Reminders for Those Facing Financial Difficulties

A few months ago, a study found that: “Some 70% of Americans admit to being stressed about their personal finances these days and a majority — 52% — of U.S. adults said their financial stress has increased since before the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, according to a new CNBC Your Money Financial Confidence Survey conducted in partnership with Momentive.”

We don’t need statistics to tell us this, though. We simply need to go to the grocery store or look at our depleted bank accounts. A majority of people are going through financial difficulties now. Believers in Jesus are not immune — as the decreased giving to local churches shows. Individual believers and our communities of faith are experiencing financial hardships.

Here are a few points of encouragement for those times when we face financial difficulties, as well as a prayer for these times.

Remember to Trust in God’s Provision

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus tenderly teaches us about the Father's unwavering care for His children. "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?" (Matthew 6:26). That verse can sting when it feels like we’re not having our needs met.

I think we have a tendency to read a bit more prosperity into that verse than is warranted. Birds don’t have a storehouse of worms. And there are probably days when they don’t have a smorgasbord of selection. God tends to every detail of their lives, and sometimes they receive meager rations. But it doesn’t change the fact that God is in control and is providing.  

Facing financial difficulties might leave us feeling vulnerable and anxious. But we should remember here that God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways. He provided manna in the wilderness and he multiplied loaves and fishes. He is able to do the same with us. Our task is trust and faithfulness. We must work diligently, spend wisely, and trust in His sovereign care over us.

Pursue Contentment in Christ

The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, penned these profound words: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul's contentment wasn't rooted in his external circumstances, but in his unshakable relationship with Christ.

This might seem a hard word, but let us remember that the fruit of the Spirit is not attached to stuff. Our call to love is not connected with how much we have in our bank accounts. Patience isn’t determined by whether or not we have a booming stock portfolio. No, it is in the context of these things where we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Financial difficulties can challenge us to find our identity in Christ, and to find fulfillment there. Our worth is not defined by our bank accounts, but by the infinite value bestowed upon us by our Creator. Embracing this truth allows us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and find contentment, regardless of our financial situation.

Discontentment or contentment is what drives the heart. Poor and rich alike can be discontent. Someone once asked billionaire J.D. Rockefeller, “How much money is enough?” His reply was “just a little bit more.”

Consider That Money Reveals Our Hearts

When you get unexpected money, what is the first thing you want to do with it? That question just might show what drives our hearts. It’s amazing that the Philippians had “no opportunity to give” but it seems from Paul’s letter that as soon as they were given an opportunity, as soon as they were blessed financially, they decided to give to the cause of the gospel. Financial difficulties, as well as financial prosperity, can display which kingdom we are building.

In his book, Sex and Money, Paul Tripp gives four descriptions of what happens when the love of money, instead of the love of God rules our hearts.

1. “I deserve,” unquestioned
2. “I want,” unrestrained
3. “Me first,” undebated
4. “I will,” unchallenged

What is your financial struggle revealing about your heart? Is it exposing any of these lurking idols?

Do Not Neglect Generosity in Scarcity

In the late 1700’s a young man, newly married, wrote a letter to John Newton asking him about whether or not he should keep up with giving to the poor now that he is married. His logic was that it was important for him to be a good provider for his family as well as to keep up society with friends.

Newton’s counsel was thus, “Be very certain that you allow yourselves in nothing superfluous. You cannot, I trust, in conscience think of laying out one penny more than is barely decent; unless you have another penny to help the poor.” 

His point was that generosity towards others should be at the heart of our handling of money. Sure, it may seem counterintuitive to speak of generosity when we're facing financial difficulties, but God's economy operates on a different plane than our fallen inclinations. When we choose to be generous with the little that we have, we align ourselves with God's heart. It's not about the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give. Our acts of generosity, whether through finances, time, or resources, reflect our faith in God’s provision.

Continue to Pray in the Midst of Financial Challenges

We should continue to ask the Lord for provision. Scripture calls us to do this, reminding us in the meantime that God delights to provide His kingdom for us. To that end, I’ll offer a prayer for those facing financial difficulties:

Gracious Father,

In the midst of our financial struggles, we turn our eyes upon You, our Provider and Sustainer. Your Word assures us that You care for the sparrows of the air and the lilies of the field – how much more will You care for us? Therefore, we trust in you. 

May we find our contentment in You, Lord, recognizing that true wealth is found in being a part of Your eternal kingdom – a kingdom in which you delight to give to us. Grant us the wisdom to manage our resources well and the courage to be generous even when it seems scarce. Teach us to trust in Your provision and recognize the opportunities to be a blessing to others.

Lord, we surrender our anxieties and fears about our financial situation into Your capable hands. Help us to walk in faith, remembering and drawing from your presence with us in every moment. Strengthen our hearts so that we may glorify You through our attitudes and actions, even in the midst of challenges.

We thank You for the promise of Your unwavering presence, for the peace that surpasses understanding, and for the assurance that You are working all things together for our good. May our lives be a testimony of Your faithfulness and grace, even in times of financial difficulty.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen.

Anchor Yourself in Christ

It is tough out there. And just as in all forms of suffering, it is providing for us a unique opportunity to testify to the greatness of Jesus. But we will not able to shine like stars unless we anchor our souls in the unchanging truths of God's Word. Financial difficulties may test our faith, but they do not define our worth or our future. Instead of succumbing to worry, let us trust in God's provision, find contentment in our relationship with Christ, and embrace the beauty of generosity. How we handle these difficulties will reveal much about our hearts.

May we radiate the hope and peace that can only be found in our Savior, Jesus Christ. You are not alone. Many are struggling, but Christ is our balm.

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