Author: Alex Cook | Wealth with Purpose.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (NIV)
Psalm 24:1 clearly states that God owns it all. When we acknowledge and take into heart this beautiful truth, we will have a different perspective and attitude towards our resources and finances.
Money, the lack or the abundance of it, can either make us or break us. The lack of it can cause worry, anxiety and fear. The abundance and love of it can lead to greed, feud and pride. We must understand that we are merely stewards and not proprietors of the resources we are entrusted. We came into this world with nothing; therefore, we will leave with nothing.
What are the practical ways we can show God that we trust Him with our finances? Here are a few:
GIVE TO GOD FIRST. We honour God and we acknowledge that He is the Lord over our resources when we faithfully give the first portion of our income to him. Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV) says, “Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
EXERCISE GENEROSITY. God blesses us abundantly so He can use us to be a channel of His blessings to other people. We are blessed to bless. We receive so we can give. It is His promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “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.”
HAVE FAITH, NOT FEAR. We all go through seasons of lack, when money seems scarce. We must not worry. We must not allow fear of lack and the fear of the future to grip us and weigh us down. We must be secure that He holds our world in His hands. Remember that God wants us to live a full and abundant life. We have been assured in John [10:10] (ESV) that Jesus “…. came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” If we trust Him with our future, knowing that He is sovereign over our lives, we will have freedom from the bondage of fear.
We can express our trust in Him by pouring our hearts to Him in prayer. Let us come before Him in humility and acknowledge that we need Him. In this way, we are allowing Him to work on our behalf and we are opening our hearts to listen and and obey what He is asking us to do.
GIVE THANKS. Whether in lack or in plenty, and in every situation, we must be thankful. Let us remind ourselves of the many blessings God pours in our lives every single day. When we lead lives of thanksgiving, we fight off worry and anxiety and God gives us peace. The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) admonishes us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Trust God with your finances. Be faithful in giving, live generously, be in faith by praying and be grateful in everything. He is a God who provides. He is generous and faithful in every way. As your Father, He will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians [4:19])