When the bank balance is low and the wallet is nearly empty, the understandable result is stress. I’ve had those times in my life, and they are no fun. And while there is no quick fix to those long nights of sleeplessness and days of concern, we do have direction from Scripture for how to keep going.
Paul uses a very important phrase in Philippians 4: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (v. 11). Notice even the Apostle Paul didn’t have an automatic, “No sweat, I’m fine.” He had to learn contentment, not being a stranger to those stresses. “In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (v. 12).
Paul also tells how he learned to be content. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (v. 13). That is a powerful lesson. Yes, the Lord enables us to face all sorts of things in life, but particularly in this context, we can learn to be content when in financial need only by His strength. It won’t help to “buck up” or “don’t worry, be happy.” We must go to the source of help to learn contentment. It’s not by our own determination and effort!
Learning is sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult. In either case, it impacts us. It is not easy to wonder how far we might have to stretch the next dollar when financial issues pass from our “wants” to real needs. We need to learn to be content.
It sounds daunting, but He promises to teach us. Start simply: “Father, I pray for Your strength and help in my situation; please teach me how to be content.”
Stressed about money? I understand, and so does He.
Chris is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL (M.Div.) and has served as a pastor in churches in the Midwest. Chris and his wife Marty have been married for nearly 40 years. Chris currently teaches the Fundamentals of the Faith class and serves in the Prayer Ministry here at Faith Bible Church.
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