Financial stress can pull heavily on the heart. It can bring fear and anxiety, preoccupation and stress, and it can make it difficult to think about much else. Thankfully, we are not left without guidance. God’s Word has so much to say about finances—not only about how we handle money, but also about how we understand God’s provision.

There are numerous beneficial tools available to aid us in times of financial stress, but it is worth grounding ourselves first and foremost in what Scripture says about finances: All is gift, God is our provider, and money must remain in its proper perspective.

All is Gift 

To begin, it is helpful to center ourselves on the truth that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God. He created us out of love and continues to sustain us. Everything is ultimately in His hands. Everything we have—and even what we do not have—is an invitation to remember that God is the giver of every good thing. 

There is no such thing as a truly “self-made” man. Remembering this can shift our perspective when money feels scarce: Our security does not rest in what we can produce or accumulate, but in the God Who created and sustains us. 

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. // Psalm 24:1 

Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God. // Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. // James 1:17

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth. // Deuteronomy 8:18 

God Will Provide 

When finances feel uncertain, it can be difficult to trust that God will provide. Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and cares for us. Throughout the radical lives of the Saints—and in the ordinary stories of faithful Christians—we see countless examples of God providing in unexpected ways.

Consider the story of my in-law grandparents. They had eight children and lived off the income of a deacon, so there was not a lot of financial margin. At one point, they were given a car. It was a simple but powerful reminder that the Lord can step into our lives and provide for us in ways we could never have anticipated.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?\ . . But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. // Matthew 6:25-33

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. // Philippians 4:6-7

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. // 1 Timothy 6:17

It’s important to note that while financial needs can become an amazing opportunity to see God’s providence at work, that does not mean every financial difficulty will be resolved quickly or in the way we hope.

We must be careful not to take these Scripture verses out of context and unconsciously adopt a prosperity Gospel mindset. This false idea can be summarized as believing that if we follow the Lord we will automatically be blessed and never have to struggle.

The reality is that the Lord may permit financial suffering in our lives, because He knows what is ultimately for our good.

We can still bring our needs honestly before God, trusting that He sees us, knows what we need, and will provide what we need to persevere. When facing a genuine financial struggle with no apparent relief, we can trust that He has a plan to either provide the necessary finances or the strength to withstand the lack.

Keep It In Perspective 

When finances feel tight, it can be tempting to believe that all our problems would be fixed “if only” we had more money. Yet the Bible and human experience remind us that money is not everything. Money cannot buy happiness. Even the wealthiest people in the world are not necessarily the most fulfilled. Winning the lottery would not solve all our problems, and it might even create new ones.

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. // Luke 12:15 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. // 1 Timothy 6:10

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. // Matthew 6:19-21

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. // Matthew 19:24

The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain.// Ecclesiastes 5:10

May these verses serve as a springboard for prayer if you find yourself in a season when finances feel tight. Do not be afraid to pray explicitly for financial peace! Trust, surrender, do your best, and Jesus will take care of the rest.