YOUR MONEY: PEACE OR PANIC? Part 1
A big welcome to guest blogger, Lisa Hice. Lisa is a friend of mine who has personally experienced financial loss—losing her job, her home, and having to sell her possessions. She has also learned to trust God to care for her—and to make wise financial decisions since that devastating time. Lisa has some wise words to share. You can read more from Lisa at: LisaHice.com
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Are you struggling with financial difficulties, loss of income, feeling a sense of anxiety and trying to find calm?
Jesus tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7. That includes our financial anxieties. Financial loss and hardship are major producers of anxiety, sleepless nights, worry and even thoughts of suicide. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone or to the suicide hotline:
1-800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Due to the current Covid Virus pandemic and business shutdowns, many are going through financial difficulties. Many are dealing with job losses, reduction in work hours, and reduced income. This can be a very rattling and unnerving time. It can be difficult to find peace and calm during these trials.
I know how it feels and have experienced a sense of grief, anxiety, worry, and fears for my future. I have had seasons in my life that challenged me financially, and I have been unemployed. One day I had a 6-figure income and the next, learned my company was shutting down and I was jobless. When financial woes happen, it can be scary and even paralyzing. You wonder, how will I pay my bills? Will I be able to provide for myself or my family? What is going to happen in the future with my finances and having a job?
Because I have been through this, I want to bring you tips and words of encouragement to handle this difficult time.
GOD COMFORTS US DURING FINANCIAL LOSS AND GRIEF
If you have recently lost your job, had a reduction in hours and income, know that I am lifting you in prayer. My thoughts and condolences go out to you. This is a tough season for many. When one experiences financial loss, it is a source of grief. With that, come the stages of grief. I am so sorry for what you are going through, and I understand your emotions as I have been there, too. Thankfully, we have a God who knows and sees all and wants to bring us comfort. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
HOW DO YOU TURN FINANCIAL WORRIES INTO A PLACE TO TRUST?
It takes putting our trust fully in God. We must humbly come to him with our anxious thoughts and needs. As the Lord says, “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.” Philippians 4:6-7. I have noticed the places I am the most fearful or anxious is the areas I lack the most faith or trust in God. Will God provide? Is he trustworthy? Can God really help me?
LEARNING TO TRUST GOD IS A GROWING PLACE FOR ALL BELIEVERS. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
COMING TOMORROW: PART 2. Encouragement to trust God and practical tips for managing your finances now.
If you need support at this time, please visit my new website: www.poppysmith.com and get in touch. I would also love to know what you think of it, although it’s still a work in progress!
Poppy