Save Now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord I beseech thee, send now prosperity.” Psalms 118:25 KJV

You probably can relate to this cry for help, especially over the last few years. If you believe God is your source, the Great Recession, as it is called, should not frighten you. A phrase you may have heard often is, “I am not participating in this recession.” While that is the proper attitude to assume for believers, unfortunately, many household budgets, whether directly or indirectly, have been impacted by the economic downturn. Bankruptcies and foreclosures are at all time highs, while property values declined. Interest rates on credit cards skyrocketed, while available balances and limits were slashed and interest rates on fixed investments are at an all time low. Furthermore, groceries and gasoline prices increased, while paychecks, bonuses, and raises declined, if not eliminated. Not many people escaped the wrath of this economic tsunami!

If your finances have not been affected, then Praise the Lord! You truly have not participated in the “recession”. If your finances were adversely affected, you still do not have to allow external circumstances to move you to fear. Regardless of what APPEARS to be happening, God is still on the throne. Greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrew 12:2), not to the news media, government, employers or anywhere else.

Consequently, if you were not managing your money wisely, the economic shift probably exposed your flaws and fallacies. Financial decisions of the past may have come back to bite you on the backside. Don’t be dismayed. God is a God of second chances. He is a merciful God, gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Neh 9:17). If your finances took a hit, forgive yourself and press forward.

So, how do we move forward from financial turmoil into financial healing? The writer of Psalm 118 gives us some insight on how to seek God in the midst of a trial. Let’s take a look at his approach:

1. Praise and Worship the Lord for who He. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever” (v.1).

2. Build up your confidence in the Lord and begin to confess the victory. “In my anguish I cried to the Lord and he answered by setting me free “(v.5). “The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies” (v.7).

3. Make your request know to God by asking directly for what you needed. “O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success” (v.25).

4. Conclude your petition with gratitude and thanksgiving. “You are my God and I will give you thanks, you are my God and I will exalt you” (v.28).

In short, cry out to God and ask for what you need financially, but be sure that you are asking in faith, not fear and worry. Without faith, it is impossible to please God and you first have to believe that He exists and that He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication and with thanksgiving, make your request known to God and may the peace of God guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6). When you cry out again, He’ll hear you from heaven and in His compassion, He will deliver you time after time (Neh 9:28). Follow the psalmist’s example and ask boldly, with confidence, gratitude and praise.

Samirian Hill is the founder and president of BudgetWise Financial Solutions, LLC, a premier financial education and consultancy firm. They teach people to manage money wisely through workshops, seminars, and individual consultations. To contact her, go to www.budgetwisefinancial.com

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