Hello friend,

Have you experience financial challenges, job Loss, a sense of anxiety?

Today, join me as I share some encouragement when it comes to your money! Jesus tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7. That
includes our financial woes, worries and anxieties. Financial loss and hardship are major producers of anxiety, sleepless nights, worry and even thoughts of suicide. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out someone or to the Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Due to the current Covid situation and businesses shutdowns, several are going through financial
difficulties. Many are dealing with job losses, reduction in work hours, and reduced income. Some of you may even have lossed a loved one to the illness. This can be a very rattling and unnerving time. It can be difficult to find peace and calm during these trials.

I, too, know how it feels and have experienced a sense of grief, anxiety, worry and even a sense of fear for the future. I have had seasons in my life that challenged me financially, and I have even been unemployed. One day I had a 6-figure income and the next, learned my company was shutting down and I was jobless. When financial woes happen, it can be scary and even paralyzing. For more of my story click HERE

You wonder, how will I pay my bills? Will I be able to provide for myself or my family? What is going to happen in the future with my finances and having a job?

Because I too have experienced financial loss, I want to bring you tips and words of encouragement to handle this difficult time.

GOD WHO COMFORTS DURING FINANCIAL LOSS AND GRIEF

If you have recently lost your job, had a reduction in hours and income, or even lost a loved one, know that I am lifting you in prayer. My thoughts and condolences go out to you. This is a tough season for you and so many. When one experiences financial loss, or any type of loss it is a source of grief. With that, come the stages of grief. There are 5 stages of grief which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and in time acceptance. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I, too know what it feels like to go through grief. Through out my life I have experienced sources financial loss, family loss, and job loss. During those times it was the comfort of God, family and friends that helped me to get through those difficult times.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

If you have or you are currently going through times of grief and loss if it is a death of a loved one, a miscarriage, divorce, financial loss, a job, a pet or even the loss of a dream, I encourage you to reach out to a counselor and also look into local resources for grief counseling. Journaling also, is a really helpful way to process through this difficult time. Several years back after several losses in my life, I met with a lady from Stephen’s Ministries. I found it to be really healing and helpful to have someone to talk with and process through the different stages of grief. It is a process and it is important to process those stages through time.

Here is also a great resource and videos that I found helpful with helping to understand and deal with grief.

Understanding Grief Information Link

HOW DO YOU TURN FINANCIAL WORRIES INTO A PLACE TO TRUST GOD?

It takes putting our trust fully in God. We must humbly come to him with our anxious thoughts, emotions and with our needs. As the Lord says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

I have noticed the places I am the most fearful or anxious are the areas I lack struggle with trusting God. Over the years, finances has been one of them. It has been a growth opportunity for me. Will God provide? Is he trustworthy? Can God really help me?

When I begin to get anxious, I take time to journal, reflect back and remember all the times God has been faithful.

Do you recall times that God has provided for you?

Take a few moments to reflect back on times that God provided for you? This helps to remind us of how trustworthy He is.

LEARNING TO TRUST GOD IS A GROWING PLACE FOR ALL. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Stay Tuned For PART 2. Encouragement to TRUST God and practical tips for managing your finances now.

BIBLE VERSES: 1 Peter 5:7, Psalms 55:22 Hebrews, 11:1, Psalms 62:8, Romans, 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-7 Philippians 4:4-9, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4