Trusting God with Your Finances
- Emmanuel Abimbola Contributing Writer
- Published Aug 14, 2024
| Trusting God with our finances is essential to our faith journey as Christians. It goes beyond simply managing money and making wise financial decisions. It is about surrendering our worries, fears, and uncertainties to God and acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives, including our finances. When we trust God with our finances, we invite His guidance, provision, and blessings into our lives, experiencing His faithfulness and abundance. |
In a world driven by materialism, consumerism, and a desire for wealth, trusting God with our finances becomes counter-cultural as it aligns our values and priorities with His eternal perspective.
Biblical View on Trusting God with Your Finances
Trust is a foundational concept in the life of a Christian, and it encompasses a deep and unwavering reliance on God's faithfulness, wisdom, and provision. In the aspect of finances, trust takes on a special significance, as it involves surrendering our financial worries, fears, and uncertainties to God and relying on His guidance, provision, and blessings. It is a firm belief in the reliability, integrity, and faithfulness of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises,
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
This verse underscores the importance of wholeheartedly trusting in God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives, including our finances. Trusting God with our finances is not an act of blind faith but rather a deliberate choice based on the character and promises of God. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus assures us, Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (NLT) This verse reminds us of God's care for His creation and His faithfulness in meeting our needs. By trusting God with our finances, we show obedience, recognizing God is the ultimate source of our provision. In Malachi 3:10, God invites us to test Him in our giving, saying,
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"
When we trust God with our finances, we align ourselves with His divine order and experience the blessings that flow from obedience. Also, trusting God with our finances demonstrates a shift in our priorities and values. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us,
"Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)
By prioritizing God's kingdom and seeking His righteousness above material wealth, we position ourselves to receive His provision and experience His peace. Trusting God with our finances allows us to break free from the grip of worldly worries and anxieties, finding contentment in knowing God will provide according to His perfect plan. Let us embrace the call to trust God with our finances, knowing He is faithful to meet our needs and lead us on a path of abundance and joy.
Why You Must Trust God with Your Finances
Trusting God with our finances is of utmost importance for Christians, as it reflects our deep reliance on His provision, wisdom, and sovereignty over our lives. It is an act of surrender, acknowledging God is the ultimate source of all blessings and holds the power to multiply our resources beyond what we can comprehend. In Proverbs 3:5–6, we are encouraged to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” This reminds us that trusting God with our finances requires us to let go of our limited human understanding and rely on His infinite wisdom. It is an invitation to surrender control and allow God to guide us in our financial decisions, knowing that His plans for us are good and purposeful.
Trusting God with our finances also helps us cultivate a godly perspective on wealth and possessions. In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus instructs us not to lay up treasures on earth, where moth and rust can destroy them, but to store them in heaven. This passage reminds us that our true wealth is not measured by worldly standards but by the eternal impact we make through faithful stewardship. When we trust God with our finances, we shift our focus from temporal gains to eternal investments, prioritizing God's kingdom purposes above our desires.
Furthermore, trusting God with our finances enables us to break free from the bondage of worry and anxiety. In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus assures us that if God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, He will certainly care for us. He encourages us not to worry about our material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God, knowing our Heavenly Father will provide for us. When we trust God with our finances, we release the burden of anxiety and find peace in knowing He is our faithful provider. Trusting God with our finances also fosters a spirit of contentment and gratitude. In Philippians 4:11–13, the Apostle Paul states,
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
This passage reminds us that our contentment and sufficiency come from Christ, not from worldly possessions or financial abundance. When we trust God with our finances, we learn to find satisfaction in Him alone rather than chasing after material wealth, which never truly satisfies us. Trusting God with our finances is not a one-time decision but a daily surrender of our financial concerns to Him. It requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to align our financial choices with His will. As we trust God with our finances, we experience His faithfulness, provision, and guidance in ways that surpass our expectations. Our relationship with God deepens as we recognize His sovereignty over our financial affairs, and we find freedom and peace in knowing He is in control.
How to Trust God with Our Finances
Trusting God with our finances involves recognizing He is the owner of all things and acknowledging our role as stewards. It requires aligning our priorities with God's kingdom, seeking His guidance, and cultivating a heart of gratitude, generosity, and contentment. Here are some practical tips on how to trust God with our finances:
Seek God's wisdom.
Seek God's wisdom by turning to Him in prayer. Seek discernment and guidance in all financial matters that encompass our lives. As stated in Proverbs 3:5–6, we are reminded to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, refraining from relying solely on our limited understanding but instead acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives, including our financial decisions and actions.
Create a budget.
To establish a solid foundation for financial stability, it is essential to create a budget that aligns with our values and priorities. By meticulously planning and organizing our finances, as advised in Proverbs 21:5, we can approach our financial journey with careful consideration and wisdom, ensuring our resources are allocated thoughtfully and intentionally.
Practice disciplined saving.
To foster financial resilience and prepare for unforeseen circumstances, it is crucial to practice disciplined saving. By setting aside a portion of our income for savings and emergencies, we heed the wisdom found in Proverbs 21:20, recognizing the importance of preparing for the future and ensuring we are equipped to handle unexpected financial burdens. This disciplined saving approach serves as a safeguard against uncertainty, empowering us to navigate challenges with greater peace of mind and stability.
Give generously.
To embody a spirit of generosity and reflect God's love in our lives, it is crucial to cultivate a mindset of giving and extending support to those in need, as well as contribute to the advancement of God's work on Earth. As emphasized in Malachi 3:10, we are encouraged to bring our tithe into the storehouse, acknowledging the principle of giving back a portion of our resources to God. Moreover, 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us God delights in those who give willingly and joyfully, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cheerful and generous heart as we contribute to the needs of others.
Live within your means.
Living within our means becomes an integral part of responsible financial stewardship, necessitating we avoid excessive debt and operate within the limitations of our financial circumstances. By refraining from incurring unnecessary debt and adhering to a budget that reflects our income and financial obligations, we can uphold a sense of financial integrity and prudence in our lives.
Practice contentment.
Practicing contentment serves as a counterbalance to the pervasive consumerist culture that perpetually urges us to pursue more material possessions. Instead of constantly chasing after worldly desires, we are called to find satisfaction and gratitude in what we already have, recognizing that true contentment lies in our relationship with God. Hebrews 13:5 assures us of God's unwavering presence and promise never to leave or forsake us, reaffirming our faith in His provision and granting us the strength to resist the allure of materialism.
Stay faithful in times of scarcity and abundance.
During times of both scarcity and abundance, it is paramount to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's provision, seeking His guidance and sustenance in the face of lack while resisting the allure of extravagance and materialism during seasons of plenty, as outlined in 1 Timothy 6:17–19. In moments of scarcity and financial hardship, it is essential to hold onto our faith and trust that God will provide for our needs, even amid limited resources. In both scarcity and abundance, our faith and trust in God's provision serve as the foundation for navigating the complexities of financial circumstances.
Remember, applying biblical principles to your financial situation may require sacrifice and discipline. But as you trust God with your finances, you will experience His faithfulness, provision, and peace. Seek His guidance, rely on His wisdom, and trust He will guide you in making wise financial decisions. Embrace the joy of stewardship and the freedom that comes from entrusting your finances to the faithful hands of our loving Heavenly Father.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/damircudic
