Trust the Lord with Financial Concerns 

It is that season again. We went to get our taxes figured up from last year. We were hoping to buck the trend of higher payments, especially since we had some bigger medical expenses we could deduct. However, we came away from the process disappointed. It seems like our tax burden keeps growing each year. When we combine that with some other unusual expenses we have incurred recently, along with the prospect of several other big costly house projects coming up in the near future, it can seem overwhelming.

Personal finances is one of those areas that can test our faith. It takes trust in the Lord from the arena of the abstract and theoretical to a very practical part of our daily lives. We profess to believe that the Lord is able to supply our needs. We claim to be walking by faith. We say that we trust Him to take care of us. However, when the bank account is dwindling and the bills are piling up, does that profession hold up in how we deal with those circumstances? Do we let fear and worry get the best of us? Or do we let our faith provide us with a calm assurance and peace of mind as we move forward?

Jesus talked quite a bit about the subject of money. He knew the significant role it can play in our lives, both for good and for bad. He warned us that it can become our master, usurping God’s rightful place in our lives. He pointed us to the more important treasures, the ones that have eternal significance, calling upon us to seek those more than earthly treasures. And in the midst of His teachings on finances and material possessions in the Sermon on the Mount, He commands us not to worry.  

As I looked over that portion of scripture again in Matthew 6, I noticed several encouraging truths. First of all, God knows what is going on in your life, including your needs and your finances. “Therefore do not worry…For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (6:31-32). God knows what is going on. He sees your current needs, and He can see the ones coming up down the road. He sees the big bills and the small paychecks, the regular expenses and the unexpected ones that will pop up. He knows what you really need, not just what you might want or wish for. He knows and He cares.

Secondly, the Lord promises to provide for our needs. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (6:33). If we will keep trusting Him, making Him the priority of our lives, and living in obedience to His will, He will take care of our material necessities.

Additionally, the Lord encourages us to simply take things one day at a time. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (6:34). Instead of worrying about all the possible expenditures we see coming up in the months ahead, let’s just take it one step at a time. Take care of what you need to do today. Trust the Lord to provide for today’s necessities. Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking of all the future possibilities and problems. We may need to plan and make some adjustments. However, we don’t need to try to carry tomorrow’s burden today.

Money issues can weigh heavy on our hearts at times, but we can entrust those matters to the Lord. He knows, He cares, and He is able to help us. Keep trusting Him while putting Him first in your life, and let Him bless you with His peace.