Declutter Now! 30 Day DevotionalParaugs

The ‘B’ Word

Don’t feel bad. You aren’t alone if you don’t create and follow a monthly budget, but if not, we aim to change that!

Just as we discussed a few days ago in ‘Boundaries Bring Freedom’, the boundaries of a budget can bring a wealth of comfort, joy, and yes, even freedom too. Most people relate budgets to facing painful realizations and enduring uncomfortable restrictions. That certainly MAY be a possibility, but if you budget well and establish financial order, you’ll eventually release yourself from financial bondage and heartache. If you don’t, the destruction from financial disarray will not only stay with you forever, but often get much worse.

The basic premise for a budget is to establish your income versus outgo, and then distribute funds appropriately over the course of the month. Emphasis should be placed on paying off debt, saving money, and living within your means. In Declutter Now! we offer a budgeting template to help you get started, but there are also a multitude of books and applications available to assist.

Creating a budget is step one, but adhering to it is crucial for it to be effective. Consult your budget each week when paying bills and incurring expenses. Practice discipline! Don’t spend money if the funds aren’t available or are earmarked for something else. As you work through each week, make notes as to what should be revised. While fundamental in nature, it can still take some time to get it right, but the benefits are well worth it.

Remember, God owns ALL money, even the money temporarily in our care. We are called to be good stewards with the resources God has entrusted to us.

What will you declutter? Financial disorganization and debt, unwise spending, inability to save, lack of discipline, anxiety, and disobedience to God’s command regarding the stewardship of his money.