Faith Overpowers all our Fears
Fears come at us in multiple ways. Often unexpected and catch us off guard. They can be relational, financial, health, career change, national concerns, loss of a job or car troubles. No matter their origin, God is not surprised when we encounter fear. Fear is a natural response to a real or perceived danger. Yet, I find it comforting that over 300 times God tells us to “Fear not.” So, why do we still feel afraid?
Multiple Reasons for Fear
We’ve all come through a year where fear has dominated news broadcasts and our daily lives. Even the crystal ball that dropped at the midnight hour, on December 31st in Times Square New York, wasn’t done in the usual relaxed party kind-of-way. Fear of the pandemic spreading in public gatherings caused a “play-it-safe” scene to unfold. In a normal year, millions of party-ready people gather here. Not this New Year’s Eve. There was no crowd. Entertainment was virtual.
Today, many things seem to be upside down. Being afraid of germs is now the central focus. Riots and disunity threaten our sense of safety. For many people money troubles are the primary concern that keeps them awake at night. January might mean confronting debt incurred in prior years while simultaneously trying to figure out how to make ends meet from day-to-day.
Attitude is Key
“Attitude matters,” Shappell says. She tells clients to approach debt payment and budgeting as a challenge, not a burden. “Mindset is everything.”[i]
Make it Personal—More is Going On
How did your year end? Were you eager to see it close because it was a really tough one? Or, did it go so well that you have no doubt the new year will be better than ever? What about the money? Did the year end on a sour financial note or on solid financial footing?
It’s time to review the past and envision the future months. The best of transitions, despite our fears, shows up when we hold tight to yesterday’s fond memories and exercise hope-filled faith in what is yet to come. In doing so, we live a healthy faith overcoming fear lifestyle.
Make a Spending Plan—Set Financial Goals
Now let’s talk about the practical side. While none of us can truly see what the future holds, we do have the ability to line out a spending plan and create a list of financial goals. Try to imagine yourself a farmer. Wise farmers look ahead. The money earned is equivalent to seed dollars that are planted. There is good soil and there is bad soil. Their growth and use are dependent on soil conditions and how the farmer nurtures the seedlings.
Start Early
January is the best time to prepare for the upcoming year’s finances. Let’s till up the soil; remove the rocks and weeds. From the prior year, pull over costs associated with utilities, food, ongoing medical needs, auto maintenance and insurance, travel, pet care, personal care, and entertainment. Think broad brush to include those things that uniquely define your family’s spending. For instance, my plan includes our family’s beach week, property taxes, new tires, minor stucco repairs, yard care, and work related expenses. It adds up quickly.
Rocks represent bigger expenses. These take more time to remove. Be patient. Don’t give up. Persevere. Steady plodding reaps success.
Weeds are those pesky habits that threaten to uproot our progress. This could be spontaneous spending over saving for future needs. Or, it could be money spent to satisfy an addiction. For faith to overcome fears we have to be good stewards of our dollars. Think to the future. Consider economic downturns and save for that rainy day.
Exercise Faith in Money Matters
By preparing in advance for the next twelve months, there’s a clear set of goals. Add prayer to the mix and faith is in position to overcome all our fears.
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:8 NIV
[i] George Erb, Two Ways to Tackle Debt, Seattle Times, November 22, 2015
Photo compliments of Ben White on Unsplash
