"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Taken from Isaiah 58, these words remind us of just how much our loving God is committed to us and promises to be our source.
When we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we received from Him a brand new life... one that we didn't have before... the life of God living in us, loving us, bringing us life and life more abundantly. That is why He declares we are born again in Him.
He delights in being our source, in proving Himself to be true to His Word, in making a way for us where there seems to be no way, in assuring us inside that He is always there and loves us. As we turn from our former ways, yielding to Him and allowing Him to be our source and strength we will increasingly see that the Lord is good and what God has prepared for us.
How does this relate to our finances? First, as you know, it takes strength to go out each day and do a good job to earn a living. The Lord promises to provide us with strength. In Isaiah 40 it says "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength."
In our work we need wisdom. I frequently ask the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom to perform well, to learn new ways of doing tasks, to be efficient - and He has responded. Deuteronomy 8:18 squarely states "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth." An inspiring group of verses is found in Ephesians 6, calling us to work as unto the Lord and not unto man, and that we will receive our reward from the Lord for doing so. If we carry ourselves this way it will be a positive witness to our coworkers and make us valuable to our employers.
Now that we've earned our pay, the first way we acknowledge God as our source is to honor Him in tithes and offerings. In Leviticus 27, God calls the tithe as His and is holy to Him. And in response for obeying in Malachi 3 He promises to open the floodgates of heaven, pouring out so much blessing there will not be room enough to store it. Our God, who by speaking created all that you see, will certainly be faithful and keep His promise written to you.
If you lack wisdom in handling finances (or any matter), our source is beautifully promised in James 1:5 - "Ask of the giving God, Who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproach or faultfinding, and it will be given him." All wisdom comes from God, and He desires to share it with those who humble themselves to ask Him.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be inside us as our Helper and Counselor. He is available 24/7 and can be our source for wisdom when facing a purchase decision in the marketplace, in front of our computer or anywhere. God knows what path and what timing is perfect for you, and will share it if you are sensitive to listen for Him.
Paul wrote about Christ being his source of contentment. In 1 Timothy 6 he speaks of godliness accompanied with contentment is great gain, and that with food and clothing we shall be content. In Philippians 4 he revealed that his inward strength comes from Christ, enabling him to live under all circumstances. Contentment will also enable us to turn away from spending money we do not have on optional things.
He is our source to remove our burdens. If there are pressures, come and share them with the Lord, be open about your fears and concerns. The more transparent you are with Him, the more He will assure you that He will carry your burden. Psalm 34:4 says "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." And Psalm 138:7 promises "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them... Your power will save me."
Lastly, considering God as our source be encouraged by what is written in 2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
