YOUR MONEY: PEACE OR PANIC? Part 2

If you missed Part One of this series, click here!

Part two from guest blogger, Lisa Hice, LisaHice.com 

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WHAT IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH TRUST?

For anyone who struggles with trust, a broken past, or even wrestles with doubts about God, I want to encourage you. I also want to share ways that helped me to begin trusting God in the area of my own finances.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:8

Having gone from a six-figure income to one that’s much lower working in ministry, I have had to put my trust fully in God to provide for me. It has been a very humbling experience. I was used to being in control and able to fully provide for myself, but the tables turned. I now must be fully dependent on God, living very frugally, and sometimes even receiving help from others.

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 4:12

START A PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING JOURNAL

Several years back I began something that has been helpful. It is a prayer and thanksgiving journal. The first part of the month, I write out a prayer list that includes anything from financial needs, wants, and prayers for myself, family, friends, co-workers and all the situations happening in the world. By doing this, I have witnessed God provide not only for myself and others, I have even seen miracles happen. I believe fully in the power of prayer and have experienced the unthinkable happen when it comes to providing for needs in many situations. It has been a great way for me to trust God with my needs. When the storms or waves of anxiety try to knock me down, I reflect on how God has been faithful and trustworthy in the past. It brings me back to a heart of gratitude, peace, and calm.

CHOOSE TO THINK POSITIVELY AND RENEW YOUR THINKING!

You and I have a choice to either respond with anxiety and fear or CHOOSE to have faith and confidence in a trustworthy God to provide for you. Having a positive mindset about the situation and the future makes a big difference. Our thinking influences our health and stress levels. If we choose fear and worry it is a lot like being on a hamster wheel where you just keep spinning and do not really go anywhere. It is time to hop off the hamster wheel and begin taking things one step at a time.

One of my favorite bible verses is Philippians 4: 8-9 where we are urged to think on what is true and positive—with the promise that instead of being filled with anxious thoughts, we will be filled with God’s peace.

FINANCIAL TIPS, ENCOURAGEMENT AND RESOURCES FOR YOU!

• Keep a Prayer Journal, and ask God for help
• Be willing to reach out to family, friends, churches, food banks and social circles for help.
• Reflect on all the times God provided for you as a reminder of how He is faithful and trustworthy.
• Meditate on Bible verses of faith, trust, and peace. See list below.
• If unable to manage financial anxiety: Talk to a counselor or your doctor. Take deep breaths.
• Utilize your emergency fund but only for emergencies and major needs: loss of income, auto, medical etc.
• If you do not have an emergency fund, begin building one. Use the stimulus check to build emergency funds, pay off debt, and help others out.
• CALL 211 or check out the website for basic needs and help 211info.org
• Banks and financial institutions want to work with you. Reach out to your bank, a financial counselor, credit card companies, mortgage companies, student loans, and financial institutions. With my 14 years’ experience working in finance, I know banks have highly creative ways to help clients during financial difficulties. Call them and ask for help. If you are deep in debt, work with the banks, credit cards and even the IRS. You can get fees waived, interest waived, set up payment plans, and find ways to pay less than your full balance payments.
• Check out Dave Ramsey- Financial Peace Class.
• Cut spending to your basic needs: housing, shelter, clothing, and transportation.
• Do not take out pay day loans, or advances on paychecks, etc. Do not use credit cards or lines of credit cards unnecessarily or borrow more than you know you can payback.

Here is my prayer for you:

God, I pray for those who are going through difficult times, grief, and financial challenges. Come near to them and bring them comfort. Provide for those that are in need and open doors for work when the time is right. I pray that you will do miracles and bring healing to those who are sick. Amen.

Bible Verses: 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22, Hebrews 11:1, Psalm 62:8, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-7, Philippians 4:4-9, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Thank you for your story and advice, Lisa. www.lisahice.com

Poppy