How To Stop Worrying About Money

Dear Selfless Esteem,
I’m so stressed about money. It seems like there’s never enough. It really consumes my thoughts. Sometimes, I lie awake at night worrying about money. What can I do to stop worrying about money? I wish I could win the lottery and then I wouldn’t worry anymore about finances.
Signed,
Worn Wallet

Dear Worn Wallet,

Money can easily consume our thoughts and cause us to worry. Because it’s such a big part of our lives, God has given us lots of guidance through the Scriptures. According to churchleaders.com, there are 500 Bible verses about faith and prayer compared to 2350 verses about money. 💲

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT) says, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” Perhaps you don’t covet monetary possessions, but you want the security that a big bank account provides. This post will put finances in perspective and help you stop worrying about money.

You stated that you wish you could win the lottery, but according to Proverbs 13:11 NABRE, “wealth won quickly dwindles away.” The U.S. News & World Report cites studies about how people rapidly blow through large sums of money. This USA Today article describes some lottery horror stories in detail.

Jesus commanded His disciples to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and God will meet our needs (Matthew 6:33). In fact, throughout this teaching, He said, “Do not worry,” three times (Matthew 6:25-34). Apparently, He knows that we need to hear that repeatedly because we tend to worry often.

How can we break this habit of worrying about money? By remembering God’s miraculous provision in the past. Jesus told Peter to cast a hook in the sea and then the first fish caught would have money in its mouth to pay the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). I think every person has a coin-in-a-fish’s-mouth story—-an experience of how God provided exactly what was needed right on time. Calling this to mind can increase our trust in Him for our future needs.

Making Money

One of the ways God meets our needs is by giving us the strength, energy and intelligence to earn a living. When we’re good stewards of these gifts, God honors that. “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4).

Regarding people, who are unable to support themselves through no fault of their own, God supplies their needs too. For example, Leviticus 19:9-10 is God’s law, which orders His people to leave some of their crops for the poor.

Giving Money

Saving leftover crops for the poor isn’t common in modern times, but the principle of sharing out of abundance with those in need is still applicable. Looking again at Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus taught His followers to save up treasures in heaven, not on Earth (Matthew 6:19-21).

Furthermore, Jesus warned of the consequences of selfishness. He told a parable about a rich man, who didn’t give any money whatsoever to a beggar named Lazarus; the rich man’s punishment was torment in Hades (See Luke 16:19-31).

Contrast the rich man in the parable with the description of generous and fair people in Psalm 112:4-9 ERV. They’re honored for their kindness, and they don’t worry about money because they trust God to take care of them.

These points are reiterated in 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Lending Money

But what about loaning money? Jesus instructs us not to turn away poor people, who ask to borrow money (Matthew 5:42). God promises to bless those, who do so (Proverbs 19:17; Luke 6:35). For more details, see “Should You Really Be Loaning Money to Family?” and Got Question’s article, “What Does the Bible Say About Lending Money?”

Managing Money

I’m not a financial advisor so I recommend that you consult with a competent, trustworthy financial planner, especially if you’re trying to pay off debt. But also, let’s see what God’s Word says about managing money.

Tithing

The word “tithe” means “tenth” in Hebrew, and God’s law for the Israelites was that a tenth of their crops belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). This law remains in effect for all of God’s children. Pastor Doug Andersen of The Church on the Way explains this thoroughly in his sermons, “Stewarding God’s Money Part 1” and “Stewarding God’s Money Part 2.”

Saving Money

Saving for the future is a Biblical principle as evidenced by the story of Joseph, who stored grain in bountiful years and then distributed it in years of scarcity. (See Genesis Chapters 37-50). In the same way, we should be saving money as opposed to spending all of it.

If you’d like more Biblical wisdom about finances, I recommend the book, “Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom & Design a Life of Eternal Impact” by Bob Lotich. The author describes it as a “21-day kick-start to stress-free money management.” I’m currently halfway through the book, and I’ve been enjoying the inspirational stories, practical tips, and good humor.

Praying About Money

Jesus taught us to pray for our “daily bread” (Luke 11:1-4; Matthew 6:11). He didn’t say to pray for so much money that we’re set for the rest of our lives. The reason is because each day, we should depend on God, who never changes (Malachi 3:6)—-not transitory money.

Additionally, Jesus told His followers not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). God is our provider (Philippians 4:19) and He loves us (John 3:16). (For more information about prayer and God’s love, see the posts, “Why Selfless Esteem Is Better Than Self-Esteem,” “The Real Truth About God,” and “How To Pray in 5 Simple Steps.”)

That means no more lying awake at night worrying about money. (You may be interested in “The Best Ways to Fall Back Asleep” and “6 Effective Ways To Manage Stress.”) But if you do, take comfort in Psalm 37:25: “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” <(^,^)>

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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