Overcoming Financial Fear

For most Americans, finances are a primary source of anxiety and fear. Even as believers, it’s easy to become consumed with worry about our financial security.

Recently, I had the privilege of reading aloud the Sermon on the Mount while overlooking the Sea of Galilee, standing in the area where Jesus first shared this message.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (vs. 25-26)

What a comforting thought to know that God is our Provider – in times of plenty or in times of want. Our fears about food and clothing, not to mention our investments, don’t have Him worried.

When we truly know who our Source is, and we live in relationship with Him, then we can dwell in the peace He invites us to enjoy. We can then live open-handed, giving freely from resources He’s provided.

I encourage you to trust Jesus’ words, which are just as important for us today as when they were spoken 2,000 years ago.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’, for the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (vs. 31-33)