Worried About Money?

By Rachel Indihar  –

Like a lot of teenagers, I took money for granted. I wanted to go to France when I was fifteen and assumed that my mother could afford to pay for the trip. Growing up in middle-class suburbia, I was fortunate to be able to attend plenty of summer camps and field trips. I praise God now that I was able to do all these things without worrying about what it was costing my parents.

Now that I’m an adult and living on my own, I realize that “supporting yourself” means more than just paying for rent and food. I also have to pay for electricity, Internet, dental and medical insurance, and the never-ending college debt. Only after that is all paid can I consider spending money on activities for my own enjoyment.

Although I am single, I’m already starting to worry about the future and the possibility of one day supporting a family. The cost of raising one child to adulthood in America has been estimated to cost $10,000 or more. Regardless of whether this is an accurate estimate, I worry that I won’t be able to give my future children all they need and deserve.

When Jesus was on earth more than two thousand years ago, humanity shared our concerns about money. Although they didn’t have to pay for medical insurance or send their children to college, people still had plenty of fears about supporting themselves.

And what was Jesus’ response? Did he tell them to buy more stocks or lottery tickets? Quite the opposite: “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, —you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:27-31 NIV).

Remember the story of Ruth? She had lost what was considered in those days her life insurance: her husband. A widow who could not find a new husband and was not taken in by her family was the least fortunate of all. No one had more reason to worry than Ruth and Naomi. And yet, how did God provide for them? A wonderful kinsman-redeemer named Boaz saved both women from poverty, and through their marriage a son came into the world who was in the direct family line of Jesus. It’s more than a good story with a happy ending; it’s proof that God cares for and provides for those who love and trust Him.

Happy endings and good results do not always happen instantly when we pray. Jesus did not guarantee an easy life to His followers. However, through heartfelt trust in Him and constant prayer, our faith in God can lift us up above our circumstances and give us peace within the storm. And who knows? Our own Boaz may appear when we least expect him.

A homework assignment for those ready to look through God’s promises: search the Bible, especially the Psalms, for verses that have the word “trust” in them. Ex: Psalm 31:14-15