4 Things To Do When Financial Trouble Comes

Here are four things you can do when financial problems come your way.

Fall on your Face

I don’t literally mean we literally “fall down” except to say, when we’re in any kind of trouble, financial or otherwise, we would do well to fall on our face and cry out to God. The psalmist says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18), so don’t try to make it on your own. Fall on your face, cry out to God, and He will save “the crushed in spirit,” no matter what they’re going through.

Increase your Giving

This sounds illogical doesn’t it? Just when you’re in the most difficult of financial situations, you should be giving…at least something. When we don’t give anything, God cannot bless our giving. We cannot out-give God, so when you’re faced with a financial issue, give to others who have little or nothing. Jesus tells us to “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). If your giving doesn’t measure out to very much or nothing at all, that may be the reason you’re having financial troubles in the first place.

Seek Counsel

Sometimes it’s just a matter of keeping a budget. In the least, you can write down your monthly expenses to see where some of your spending might not be necessary or important. There are rock-solid Christian financial counselors available who are ready to help you today. Just give them a call. That is their calling; to help believers make sense of their financial mess and to help them learn how to sort it all out. The Bible tells us that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14).

Ask for Help

If you owe money to some of your debtors, there’s nothing wrong with asking them to structure your payments over a period of time. That’s what I did. Years ago, I got way behind in my gas and electric bills because I was unemployed for about three months, and since I was young and hadn’t paid enough into unemployment for the state to allow me some help, I had to mow lawns, pick up trash, trim trees, clean out gutters, and unclog sewer lines. Whatever I could find to do, I did it. Even those things that most people didn’t want to do. I ask people for help by allowing me to work for them to pay some of my debtors off, and my utility company divided what I owed them and spread it out over six months. James says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2b). It costs nothing to ask for help.

Conclusion

When you’re in a financial straight, fall on your face or knees (if it’s physically possible) and cry out to God. Of course, you can pray in any position, but my point is show God you’re serious by coming to Him in prayer. At least give a little of what little you have and sow it into the kingdom. Make sure you seek godly counsel from a church leader or Christian counselor, and finally, ask for help. People (including those you owe money too) might surprise you by being more than willing to work with you.