Question: I find that as I get older, I worry more and more about the future. I’m worried about how I could earn a living if I lost my job and what will happen if I can’t afford to retire. It seems to me that I’m paralyzed by fear of the future. I know it’s wrong, but how can I change? Response: It’s been correctly said that worry is taking on the responsibility that belongs to God, and that includes being preoccupied with the future. The Lord said, “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” (Matthew 6:31-32). Worry about your future and about your finances is not your problem; it’s a symptom—it’s an outside indicator of an inside spiritual problem. Most of our worries are based on future possible problems, not current circumstance. It’s the “what if’s” that cause us the most grief. Most people can handle the current situation, even a bad one, but they go into depression when they think about the future. So, how might you begin to handle worry? Stop, confess that you have assumed God’s responsibility, and turn that area of your life over to Him. Then take responsibility for whatever you can do something about. For example, rework your budget, or have an open dialogue with your spouse about finances, etc.
Category Archives: Faith
Can I Ask God for Money?
Question: Rev Louder, I’m a Christian and I know I can ask God to meet my spiritual needs–is it OK for me to ask him to meet my financial needs? Response: According to the Bible, YES you can ask God to meet your financial needs. How? James 1:6 tells you to “ask”, believe and not doubt. The key to this verse and the answer to your question is the word “ask”. This is a Greek word that means to be absolutely firm; to respectfully and expectantly speak up, speak out, praying boldly and authoritatively for the help you need to meet your physical/material needs such as food, shelter, money, etc. (Note we’re talking about “needs” here as opposed to your “wants” or “desires” which are topics for a different time.) So yes, your Heavenly Father wants you to ask Him to meet your financial/material needs–if you have a physical, tangible need, He wants you to ask Him to meet it. And remember, it may take time for your answer to show up. Just because you “ask” in faith according to His will doesn’t mean your answer is always right around the corner. Beware: (1) There is a devil out there who doesn’t want you to experience God’s will for your life to include His material/financial will for your life; (2) You also have your own flesh to deal with, and flesh loves comfort–it doesn’t like the challenge of “asking”/standing in faith; and (3) Your faith may need to grow. So what should you do until your answer shows up? Keep asking. Don’t back off. Refuse to move from your position of faith. Stand on the fact that the Word of God is true. God wants you to come to a higher level in the process of receiving the answer to your prayer. The bottom line is this: Never make the mistake of thinking you can only talk to God about your spiritual needs. YES you can ask God to meet your financial needs.