giving

What to Do When You Feel Stressed About Finances: Finding Peace Through Faith

Financial stress can feel overwhelming. It might keep you awake at night, dominate your thoughts during the day, and leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. As followers of Christ, we are not immune to these challenges, but we have a unique source of hope and guidance: God’s Word.

When you’re feeling stressed about finances, here’s a biblical approach to finding peace and practical solutions.

1. Bring Your Worries to God in Prayer

The first and most important step is to turn to God. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When financial stress begins to weigh you down, take time to pray. Be honest with God about your fears, frustrations, and needs. Trust that He hears you and desires to give you peace, even in uncertain times.

2. Trust in God’s Provision

It’s easy to feel like financial problems are entirely on our shoulders to solve, but the Bible reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. Matthew 6:26-27 says,
“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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

This doesn’t mean we should ignore our financial responsibilities, but it reminds us to trust that God is faithful and knows our needs.

3. Seek Wisdom and Clarity

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Begin by seeking God’s wisdom. Spend time in His Word and reflect on verses about stewardship and provision. Then, take practical steps to understand your financial situation:

  • Write down your income, expenses, and debts.

  • Evaluate where you might need to cut back or make changes.

  • Set clear financial goals that honor God and reflect His priorities.

4. Be a Faithful Steward

Everything we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us,
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

As stewards of His resources, we are called to manage them wisely. This includes creating a budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and saving for the future. Start with small, consistent actions to bring your finances under control.

5. Practice Generosity, Even in Stress

When money is tight, giving might feel impossible. But the Bible encourages us to trust God with our resources, even in difficult times. Malachi 3:10 says,
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Generosity shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. It’s a reminder that God is in control, and it invites Him to work in miraculous ways.

Finding Peace Amid Financial Stress

Financial stress is real, but so is the peace and provision of our Heavenly Father. By turning to God, seeking wisdom, and taking faithful steps, you can navigate financial challenges with hope and confidence.

God is with you in this journey, and His grace is more than enough to sustain you.

If you’re feeling stuck and need practical tools to manage your finances, check out our free resources and guides to help you budget, save, and give with confidence. Let’s walk this journey together!

How To Live Generously

Did you know that living generously can be a transformative step on your journey to achieving your fully funded life? But what does it mean to live generously, and how can it benefit your personal finance goals?

Benefits of A Generous Life

Living generously isn't just about opening your wallet; it's about opening your heart. When you practice generosity, whether through acts of kindness, charitable donations, or volunteering, you experience a profound sense of satisfaction and happiness. A friend of mine once said, “I give to keep from being selfish.”

Generosity isn't limited to financial contributions. It can also be given through acts of kindness, support, and time dedicated to your community and loved ones. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships is an essential part of a fulfilling life. When you live generously, you strengthen these connections.

Practical Steps to Live Generously

1. Setting a Budget for Giving

Living generously doesn't mean you should give beyond your means. It's about finding a balance that works for you. Start by setting aside a portion of your income specifically for giving. This allows you to be generous without compromising your financial stability.

2. Identifying Causes and Organizations to Support

Consider what matters most to you. Is it education, health, environmental conservation, or local community projects? Identify causes or organizations that align with your values, and focus your generosity on them.

3. Aligning Generosity with Personal Financial Goals

Make generosity an integral part of your financial plan. Align your giving with your financial goals. For example, if your goal is to achieve financial independence, consider how acts of kindness or charitable donations can support that aim.

Start today, and let generosity pave your way to a fully funded life!

Practicing Generosity

We all strive to be generous people. Donating to causes that are important to us, tithing at church, supporting a non-profit. Is your generosity a financial habit or do you need to learn how to practice generosity?

ONE: Be intentional

Add ‘giving’ as a line item in your two most important budgets: your financial budget and your time budget. Generosity falls into two categories giving time and giving dollars. Take the first step and identify that 'giving’ is important to you. Those who plan their time and dollars tend to accomplish far more than those who choose to ‘wing it.’

TWO: Put time on the calendar

If you are planning to "get around to doing it" or "would like to find time to be a part of that" - you will always face challenges in actually doing it. I have a team of people who help me manage my calendar - as you can imagine, it is loaded with writing, zoom and phone conversations, planning meetings with the team, and leadership tasks. But what gets on the calendar is ultimately up to me! If I am not happy with the calendar, that is my fault!

Are you being intentional with the time on your calendar?

THREE: Put dollars in the budget

Giving dollars can be broken down into the budget, just like other expenses. Budget for giving monthly, annually, and for significant events. Here are some examples:

Monthly Giving

  • $50 at Christmas at Walmart

  • Homeless person on street corner

  • Friends or family who had a special opportunity or need

    HACK: Having the dollars pulled out in cash allows you to be "intentionally spontaneously generous"

Annual Giving

  • Birthdays, Anniversaries, and other annual special days

  • Organizations to support

One-time Gifts

  • Weddings, special events