Does Fear Control Your Finances? Finance

DOES FEAR CONTROL YOUR FINANCES?

Fear and the Christian

It could be said that we are living in the Age of Fear when it comes to our finances – it has been a human lifetime since we’ve had such an intense combination of negatives occurring at the same time.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NHEB)

There are dozens of Bible verses dealing with fear and how the believer should react to it and most are a comfort, often containing the words “fear not”—as the believer is to adopt a spirit of peace even in the face of threatening circumstances.

But is that how we really feel? Do we banish fear from our lives the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour? I somehow doubt it, and I know it isn’t always how I react. The human side of my character is very much intact when it comes to fear and I think that’s the case for most believers. Some people are more disposed toward fear than others, perhaps because of genetics, upbringing, personal experience, or a bit of all three. But don’t feel guilty about this. God knows that we have fears - He assured His disciples not to fear again and again, they had fears even though they walked with him daily!

We have put together some tips to help you battle the fear that may control your finances.

Begin with - and STAY in - prayer. When we worry and begin to fear, it’s time to get down on our knees. Scripture gives strong reassurance on this: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Seek company & counsel of others We often like to think that our problems are unique to us, or that our fears make us appear weak in the eyes of others. But rest assured, there is no problem we face, no fear we harbour, that others have not also faced. Just talking about your fears can give you a perspective on them that can make them less scary.

Set up an action plan Often the source of our fears is the absence of a way to deal with them. Setting up an action plan can go a long way toward giving us the confidence we need to overcome our fears. Let’s consider a few typical financial fears and action plans that - along with prayer and the counsel of others—can help put the deepest concerns behind us…

Fear: I’ll lose my job and won’t be able to find another one. Action plan: • Work to be the best employee in your department or company • Take on additional responsibilities that will make you indispensable • Take courses or a part-time job that can train you for a career in a different field • Start a side business that you can eventually grow into a full-time venture

Fear: I won’t have enough money to retire. Action plan: • Save as much as you can • Begin to lower your cost of living • Pay down and off your debts for more cash flow • Consider a move to an area where the cost of living is lower

Fear: I have more debt than I can repay. Action plan: • Stop using credit • Make the minimum payments—if you stop adding new debt, the old ones will gradually disappear even if you do nothing more • Negotiate lower interest rates • Take a second job and build savings • Move to a cheaper home, take in a renter or sell a car with a large payment

Prayer, counsel plus a workable action plan can minimize or eliminate any financial fears you have. You are doing all that you can, trusting the outcome to a loving God. You are creating forward motion and as you do, your options and your confidence will increase. The fear you once had will turn out to be the force that moves you in a positive direction.