God provides for every need

Money has a way of creeping into our hearts and making God’s voice seem quieter.

The way to overcome worry about money is by trusting God.

Our passage today probably digs at each of us in different ways. God, our Father, knows we need food, water, and clothing, but being anxious about these things does not add to our joy; it robs us of it. Jesus tells us plainly, “Do not be anxious about your life” because “no one can serve two masters. . . . you cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:25, 24).

God takes care of sparrows. Sparrows work hard, basically nonstop. So what’s the difference between us who work and sparrows, both of whom God blesses?

We worry. Sparrows do not.

We know nothing about tomorrow except those sweet promises from God that he cares, provides, and offers joy in faithfulness.

Worry betrays distrust. This is not meant to shame you. It’s meant to help you pray to the Lord for conviction from distrust to radical trust.

The Bible nowhere says, “Money is the root of all evil.” It says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10, emphasis added).

Jesus condemns the man who obsesses about storing up more and more wealth in barns. The rich fool believed in his own security, but the safety net of money isn’t final (Luke 12:13–21).

So ask yourself: Do you love money?

The author of Hebrews summarizes Jesus’ teaching well: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for [God] has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

What is the antithesis of worrying about money?

Contentedness.

How do we act in contentedness?

Faithfully with what we have.

Penny-pinching and exorbitant spending both make idols of money. Deal with money wisely, generously, and with open hands. The poor and wealthy can both equally love and serve money.

Chasing after money will not only corrupt the kingdom work of the church; it will also become a caustic source of sin in your personal life. Pursuing money at the expense of Christ is vain, for we will never find satisfaction in wealth—never (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

This isn’t to negate or neglect the feelings of worry but gently to correct your negative thoughts with, “Do I not trust Jesus? Do I not believe he will provide? Do these worries betray a love of money?”

With these three questions, you can rebuke the feelings of stress that might cloud your heart.

Even if we do fall into despair, the Lord follows us there, too (Psalm 139:8).

It’s time to evaluate your situation honestly without fear, knowing you can be content with Jesus. He doesn’t promise prosperity but will care for our needs.

If you feel like your roadblock is simply practical monetary difficulties, there are answers for that.

One great step is to seek help.

Ask the Lord for insight, yes, and also ask others around you. A church can provide some stability in desperate times. More than that, you’re probably friends with other believers gifted by God with the ability to handle money well.

Put away pride and ask to be mentored by someone with wise money practices—not necessarily someone wealthy, but someone who loves Jesus and handles money generously and wisely.