Getting Out from Under

Sooner or later the vast majority of mankind is inclined to worry, stress out and lose sleep over financial concerns. Money makes a lousy servant, and a cruel master.

Here are recommendations for getting out from under if you are Christ-follower:

• Stay in the Word, stay in prayer and stay in Church. Times like this are when you need the lifeline to the Lord most.

• Do not chase after those who leave your side. Hold them up to the Lord in prayer and leave the rest up to Him.

• Get back up on your stand of faith and stay there. You are helped in this if you have someone close to you to remind you. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.(1 John 5:4)

• Never, NEVER stop tithing and giving. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

• Stay focused on your desired result rather than the "pickle you're in." Make a practice of setting the amount aside needed so that you can make the payments on time. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (James 1:6-7)

• Determine that God is the Source of your supply. Never look to anyone or anything other than Jesus as your Source. Not your mom n them, for preachers not your congregation. God uses an astounding number of resources as He deems best. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:6)

• Quit worrying and fully trust in the Lord. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

• Make a point of remembering all the Lord has done for you already to help you progress. It will bolster your faith for the next challenge.

Read the 23rd Psalm carefully, focusing on the meaning of each word:

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live." (GNB)

So, what will it be? Will you be a mighty warrior, or a mighty worrier? The JOY of the Lord is your STRENGTH (Nehemiah 8:10)