The new year will arrive in two days. With a new year, comes a chance for new beginnings and fresh starts. I encourage you to make a commitment in 2024 to follow the Lord’s leading in all that you do. Obeying the Lord in all things will result in spiritual growth, better mental and physical health, more joy, and less stress, including less financial stress.
Plan now to reduce your financial stress in the coming year by honoring God with your money. Here are some steps to help you.
- Acknowledge that all you have has been given to you by God. God gives you the ability to work and earn a living. ”And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18
- Tithe. God asks each of us to return ten percent of what we earn for the work of the church. God promises to bless those who are obedient to tithe. “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.'” Malachi 3:10
- Live below your means. Living below your means will allow you to pay off existing debt and put some money aside for emergencies.
- Make a budget and do your best to stick to it. Include your spouse and children. Everyone needs to be committed to the budget, or you will not be able to maintain it. Set reasonable amounts of money for entertainment and recreation.
- Start saving, even if is only a small amount. Develop a regular habit of putting aside a little bit from each paycheck. Make it automatic by having your savings directly deposited before you get your paycheck.
- Designate some money to help out those less fortunate than you. Don’t try to outgive others, but give within your means as led by the Lord. He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
- Trust in the Lord. Those who put their trust in money, jobs, or the government will be disappointed. Only God can meet all your needs. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5, 6
- Seek guidance from godly financial experts. Completing my Bible study, Honoring God with Your Money, is a great way to start the year. There are many other resources available from Crown Financial Ministries (crown.org) and Dave Ramsey (DaveRamsey.com). Find tools that work for you and use them.
Susan's Reflections 