If you’re like me, you’ve already started to feel the pressure of the increased expenses that come during the end of the year. Things like higher utilities, holiday spending, and end of the year tax prep can really put the pressure on your finances.
At the end of last month, I sat down with my wife to look at our balance sheet and to see how we were doing. It was a little stressful because lately a lot of expenses have been coming up and it’s been keeping us from reaching our financial goals. I’ll admit, it was stressful thinking about the finances and I let the stress bother me until I started to feel physically stressed the next day. If you’ve ever let the stress of your finances take a toll on you physically, take a step back and use these tips to help you overcome the stress.
1. Review. Plan. Let Go.
Taking time to review your finances on a monthly basis is a good practice. Looking over your budget and addressing the items that need to be changed will help you plan for those lurking expenses. After you’ve made your plan to change spending habits or adjust your budget, then go with it. Don’t keep mulling over the bills and kicking yourself for past expenses. Learn from your mistakes and let go of the thoughts that you won’t be able to make it.
2. Get Some Fresh Air.
Take a few minutes to go outside or do something physical. Taking your mind off of the finances can help you cope with the stress and keep you from worrying yourself sick. Physical activity has shown to reduce stress, and it’s a good thing to incorporate into your routine anyways!
If you and your spouse are both stressed about the finances, do something together. Go on a cheap date or zero dollar date (going to a park, free museum, walk downtown) and take the time to simply enjoy a break together.
3. Read The Word.
How quickly we can forget the promises in God’s word. For me, remembering that I serve a God who provides for all my needs helped me to put things into perspective and gave me a peace about financial situations I couldn’t control.
Here are a few verses that will help remind you that God is in control and that we can go to Him with our stressful finance problems:
Matthew 6:31-32 – Nothing to worry about
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.Matthew 7: 9-11 – God is the giver of good gifts
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all our needs
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.2 Corinthians 9:8 – Abounding in every good work
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
How do you cope with financial stress? What are some of your favorite verses to remind you that God is in control of all things?
Talking through my stress with people who’s opinions I value also helps.
When in doubt, pray!
Dear Mr.Tim Or whoever is reading this me and my son I’d going through serious hardship but I do know this I trust the word of God .Today I was going to take a loan then God said I have mad you the head not the Tail I am above and not beneath I am Lender and not the Borrower. I have to keep telling myself Keoka Gonzalez this because so many times I have walk out of the ark of God plans of my life.But not this time my Feet is planted I will remain stable I know it is hard for me and my Son Isaiah but with Jesus Christ all things are possible. So please keep me in prayer always.Yes I am in Financial trouble my ex husband took everything and left us in debt over our head.
I hope that you receive a blessing sister. Your faith is incredible and inspiring.
Through the ups and downs of my life i have learnt that no matter how much i suffer ,God remains God,i have learnt to distinguish between God and man and to give God his position,His Love never fails because i have a deep financial crisis,His glory,greatness,majesty but rather he increases in his kingship.In the midst of my problems it doesnt mean he is not doing anything,somehow there are a lot of battles he is fighting. Most of us we become more concerned about him fixing our money issues.
LET GOD BE GOD AND PEOPLE BE PEOPLE.
Will God forgive you if cause your own financial stress.
I believe He does but that doesn’t mean we don’t suffer the consequences. I know I am. And I just made a financial decision that is going to make the next 5 years difficult. I’m doubting that decision now.
I caused my own financial issues, and guilt and regret were things that held me back. I’m learning to deal with those. I believe if we repent and ask for forgiveness, God forgives. We still have to deal with the bad decisions – but we are not alone as we begin fixing those problems, we have God. Talk to God, tell Him you need Him, that is what He wants. He gave us free will to make the choices we have, but he did not leave us alone to try to figure out how to correct those problems. Call out to Him! I am right now!
Thank you so much for sharing those Bible verses. It’s amazing how peace arrives as soon as I meditate on God’s word. I’m praying for you and your family that God will do exceeding and abundantly above all you could ever ask or think.
What is your opinion on borrowing to pay of loans
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Borrowing money constantly to pay off your debt isn’t you getting out of debt. Your debt just gets transferred to another person. The borrower will always be slave to the lender!
Thank you for this and it’s very helpful. I wish though you had said IF you have a spouse because many people are single. Financial worries can be even greater when you are alone as you usually have one income and you are trying to figure it out on your own. There is a misconception out there that single people have a lot of money but costs to heat a house or mortgage payments are the same no matter how many people are living in the house for instance. I’m not bitter but I know what it’s like. I think if you ask singles for their greatest worries it would be financial concerns, the future and loss of your parents or other grief issues. Again thank you for such a helpful reminder and well written article.
I am in financial stress for how many months now. Collectors/banks keep on calling me every single day and I dont have a concrete and specific date of paying them because I literally do not have extra money to pay. My daughter is in college and still has 2 years to go but I dont know where to get funds for her schooling. I am losing hope, with all the debts and bills to pay it seems it is impossible to get out of debt anytime soon. Oh God please help me.
In all trials and tribulations don’t forget to connect with God, with this verse Jeremiah 33:3 Call me and l will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
I will never leave you nor Forsake you l have good plans for you to prosper you. The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seeks the Lord shall not lack any good things.. I’m also in the state of bankruptcy but these words heal me. I walk tall as if l’m rich. I’ve got everything. because God will deliver me out of all my troubles. The Lord hears the cry out of all righteousness.
Life in general is hard. But time and circumstances change everyday. Where we fail as man but live for an enternity in heaven as we are only in an earth suit. GOD is our father whose only son JESUS died on the cross for our sons. He is our provider and healer.
I am Catholic and have always firmly believed in God, but feared him and lived in an aura of guilt, fearing abundance, but not realizing it. Sadly, I’ve sabotoged God’s blessings, or perhaps been unlucky at times… either or, losing substantial amounts of money. At this time I’m understanding that God wants me to be secure and happy. I need to fulfill immediate needs pertaining to taxes, my childrens education, and finishing our large home projects, as well as plan for our future needs to live securely, with peace of mind. I need God’s guidance and support in my career and for our family to thrive.
I neeed prayers going through ruff times and expecting a daughter in 2 months ??? no sympathy just prayers ?
I’m praying for you Tyo, your daughter and her mother. God loves you and your family. Things will get better and God will show how good he is. He already has by blessing you with a new baby. EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY.
Im trying to take an additional loan after fail attempt to convince my boss for an advancement. But i have an existing loan already,but at this time i need it to pay for rental arrears before i get arrested.
I sent my request to thebank if they can approve my request. I ask for your prayers coz my kids and i are living everywhere after being locked out of our place.
Please Dear Lord, i cant bare the thought to see my kids out for too long its killing me.
I am praying for you Lydia. I know your worry, I know your fears, I have felt the same thing.
The way I look at it (and I admit I still have to remind myself many times of this) is that when something super difficult is happening, God is saying “lean on me for your comfort” “lean on me to have peace in this situation”, it is God testing your faith that you will rely on Him to give you what you need.
This is what I say to myself all day long “this is only a test”, and it helps remind me that the problem will get better, as long I keep God involved.
I know I am not supposed to be anxious or severely worried about the financial disaster I have on my hands, and I keep confessing out loud that God WILL get me through this. Then fear starts creeping in, and suddenly before I know it I’m in a full blown panic. Please pray for me.
I made a poor financial decision and bought too expensive of a home without deeply considering how much the total mortgage payment will affect my family for decades to come. I literally got caught up in the moment that the offer was accepted and moved ahead with the purchase. I wish that someone made me pause and sit down to consider ALL the financial aspects of this decision. Through all of my mistakes made in haste, I know that God is good and I am forever grateful for his grace.
Please do not make the same mistake, wait, consider deeper and pray harder, especially with a purchase this important.
So honored and blessed to have come across your content. Ty
I’m in the middle of stress. I’m experiencing this kind of situation. Thank you for this I’ve been I good state. But if you help me please help me.
Thank you.