Breaking Free from Financial Fear

July 31, 2008 in Money | 24 comments

I used to worry about not having enough money. And it didn’t matter how much money I had, I worried that it would never be enough or I would lose it.

I wish this could be a post with 5 short steps to financial peace, but it’s not that easy. I can tell you how it happened for me.

bricks

I grew up with a desire to save money. I always had money in my savings account, because to me that was better than spending it on something short-lived. I based a lot of security in having money in the bank. I was also a bit stingy. (I wish I could think of a nicer word, but there it is.)

When I was in college, I started following Jesus, and each part of my life changed from that.  I began tithing, which is based on the belief that God gives us everything we have, so we give back ten percent to him. I felt a new freedom to give and not hold on to money so tightly.

One day I was sitting on the back steps of my apartment, and it occurred to me in that moment that I was perfectly and completely content. My small student budget was only a few hundred dollars a month at the time, and I realized that if I never had more, I could be content. Contentment isn’t based on circumstances the way happiness is. Contentment is bigger.

For me, the freedom I have now regarding money doesn’t come from our income or even an emergency savings account.

I find it in:

  • Trusting that God provides for us in every situation.
  • Living below our means.
  • Knowing that all our stuff is temporary anyway.

Don’t get me wrong, I still follow good financial advice and plan for the future, but I no longer find my security there.

24 comments

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July 31, 2008 at 11:38 am

aswewalk

So wise. I went from growing up on food stamps to being married to a man who made almost $200,000 one recent year, to being back on foodstamps during his unemployment. I, too, am learning to be content in whatever circumstance, and learning that GOD is my provider, not an employer.

July 31, 2008 at 11:50 am

Annie

I just found your blog but I really appreciate your post. I totally agree that my motivation for saving money isn’t myself or my circumstance but God’s glory. Jesus Christ has been my only source of true contentment in this world!
I’m looking forward to reading more from you!

July 31, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Elle

A most valuable and precious lesson to know that God is the provider and sustainer of us completely. Our heart towards money is an indicator of our heart towards God. In my life that truth has both convicted me–ouch! and encouraged me. Great post.

July 31, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Holly

I’m much more secular than you are - I found my peace in a Money Magazine article last year. When I realized that I’m in the top 90% of savers for my age and for my income, I stopped worrying so much.

July 31, 2008 at 1:10 pm

CarrieK

What a lovely blog! Thanks for all the ideas. I am working on cutting our grocery bill in half. It’s challenging and rewarding; I use a menu plan and a cash envelope. I’m baking more and planning a garden. I’m also trading with friends and neighbors. There is a whole wealth of resources out there is we are willing to share!

July 31, 2008 at 1:21 pm

Adam

I added your blog to my reader earlier this week, and I haven’t been disapointed. My wife is also starting to read your posts.

This post is so very true. As a preacher, let me say that you are sharing something that is so basic, but so NEEDED, in our society with this post.

Thank you.

Adam

July 31, 2008 at 2:23 pm

Linda

wow…funny how this particular post in your blog came along today.

Thank you. What you have written is very true.

July 31, 2008 at 4:01 pm

Sue (coffeepot)

I recently started reading and love your blog. Amen as the Lord is our provider in which we can rest.

July 31, 2008 at 4:27 pm

Denise

I am baffled on how many times I have had a conversation this week about contentment. It started on Sunday when my husband proposed I write a book about it. (I found that idea to be humorous actually). We then went off to church where the message was on contentment. After church, to my moms where she explained to me that she has decided she is content with her home, clothes, etc after she spent some time with someone who had more than her.

Contentment is deep and I think everyone arrives there in their own time. Once you find it, it is like a sigh of relief. Happiness comes and go. Real contentment or joy lasts forever.

July 31, 2008 at 7:45 pm

KS

Thank you for this post, Rachel. I used to worship at a very affluent church, and then I moved to a church that has people of all income levels. I am more content now, but I will never be on the St. Paul level of contentment. At least I don’t think so.

July 31, 2008 at 8:02 pm

sw

We earn more than we ever have before, yet I am more insecure than I’ve ever been.

There is something so true about contentment. When you disengage from “the stuff”, you find the real “stuff”.

I just started reading your blog and am hooked! Thanks for sharing your words and wisdom!

July 31, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Monica

We are so much alike! Thanks for sharing, it is so comforting to know that there are others just like me!

July 31, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Bert Loga

Hello. I stumbled upon your blog via GRS and am so glad I did! I love your advice today and can so resonate with it, being Christian myself. I just listened to a sermon online yesterday that also spoke of Paul’s advice about being content in WHATEVER circumstance we find ourselves in. Quite the command, but doable through Him! I’ve added you to my RSS feed and look forward to exploring your blog!

August 1, 2008 at 12:14 am

Kerri

I needed to hear this today too. Thanks!

Contentment is a prize that money can’t and doesn’t buy. I don’t know why I keep forgetting that. When I take the time to be thankful, contentment is easy and life is full.

August 1, 2008 at 5:51 am

RDS

What a great post. The bible tells a great deal about money and I think that you hit three of the most important themes right on the head: a) We are to be responsible with what GOD has given us (Matthew 25), b) We are to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11), and c) We should enjoy what GOD has given us (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

This was such a pleasure to read. Thanks for posting.

RDS
http://financialvalues.blogspot.com/

August 1, 2008 at 7:21 am

Toblerone @ Simple Mom

Amen. All three truths are so significant to our financial, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Thanks for the well-written reminder.

August 1, 2008 at 7:43 pm

Dana

Oh wow! you nailed it on the head when you wrote this:

“Knowing that all our stuff is temporary anyway”

That’s huge!

August 1, 2008 at 11:15 pm

smallnotebook

Andrea, that link is incredible. Thanks for sharing it.

August 2, 2008 at 11:00 pm

Laura

I’m learning this right along with you. It is so beautiful to find contentment in the way you say. It feels much closer to how God intended us to live than the “have it all” lifestyle America promotes.

Keep up the good work…I’m always so inspired here :)

August 3, 2008 at 6:43 pm

nursheikha

The 10% idea of giving back to God really clicked just now for me and I’m muslim :P Thanks for the tip

August 6, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Rachel

Great post; thanks for sharing. Something my mom says frequently is “God gives us everything we need.” Everything else are just wants.