Christians live by faith, but when it comes to finances, that faith can be sorely tested.

You might fall victim to something we’ll call the “fear factor.” You’re worried that you won’t be able to pay the bills, replace the car that always needs repairs, or save for the future.

## We all must choose what motivates us. Is it your faith in God and His promises or fear of things you can’t control? Maybe fear that God won’t live up to His end of the bargain?

In those times, when fear of the future gets the better of us, we insist on taking charge. But the Bible is clear about the importance of trusting God for everything.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us, *“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”*

Even Jesus’ disciples had financial fear. He tells them in Matthew 6:25, *“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”*

Fear can lead to financial bondage. It begins when we think things and do things that indicate a lack of trust in God. He’s promised to meet not only our needs, but to give us the desires of our hearts, as long as they match up with His will for us.

Certain indicators reveal whether you’ve given in to fear and might be in financial bondage.

It may result in bad communication and conflicting values between spouses, which will damage a marriage. It may lead to hoarding and a lack of generosity. It may cause you to unnecessarily scrimp and sacrifice, to covet money.

Of course, the Bible teaches that it’s wise to save for the future, for the day when age or illness prevent you from earning a living. The key is finding the right balance, doing your part and trusting God to do His, because He *always* does.

## You can be sure that God is with you, even when you may feel overwhelmed by fear.

His Word tells us repeatedly that. *“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”* (Joshua 1:9)

Faith is the opposite of fear. In Hebrews, faith is described as “things that we hope for and things that we do not presently have.” If we didn’t have needs, we wouldn’t need faith. But it’s God’s plan to teach us and strengthen us in faith, so He allows us to have needs, so that we can learn to trust Him. Everything you experience is part of God’s plan for you.

In Hebrews 11:6 we’re told that “God is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Every Christian must decide, do I really believe that?  Do I really trust God or am I just saying I do? Believers must reject materialism, the tendency to put our trust in our bank accounts instead of God.

Now, how do you fight the fear that leads to financial bondage?

First, stay in God’s word, ask Him for help, hope and direction. The goal should always be to know and live according to His plan for your life. Seek God in all things and let Him know you’re willing to trust Him when He makes His will clear. This isn’t a “one time thing.” It’s a process that requires constant study of His Word.

Next, make a conscious decision to act when God’s will becomes clear. This will be different for each of us. It may mean giving away something you need, or making a job change you hadn’t planned on, or putting off buying a bigger home.

Then, develop a long range perspective. God rarely works on the same timetable as we do, so it’s important that we learn what patience is—waiting on the Lord.

Joseph, while imprisoned in Egypt, understood God’s long-range plan even though he didn’t understand the timing and circumstances of it all.  He had faith. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus tells us, *“... do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”*

Finally, use the most powerful tool that God’s given us to unlock His blessings and power— prayer. It’s the most neglected part of Christian life.

Faith isn’t possible outside of prayer, but with prayer all things are possible. 1 Thessalonians 5 teaches, *“Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”*

Take these steps and the Holy Spirit will help you overcome the fear factor.

You can also __[listen](https://www.moneywise.org/search?q=The%20Fear%20Factor&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

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Articles

Christians live by faith, but when it comes to finances, that faith can be sorely tested. What do you do in those times?

VERSES | Feb 28, 2022

The Fear Factor

By: Rob West and Jim Henry

Where Faith Meets Finance

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