Pressure PointsSample

Money, Worry, and Trusting God

Hurtling through space between Mars and Jupiter, there is an asteroid called ‘16 Psyche’. It’s a massive, potato-shaped, metallic object thought to be rich in iron, nickel, and gold, and it’s estimated by some to be worth up to $700 quintillion US dollars. To put that number into perspective, that’s enough money to make everyone alive today an instant billionaire!

Yet back on Earth, countless millions live in poverty every day, and even those of us in privileged countries can be heavily weighed down by the reality of financial pressures. Whether it’s keeping your small business running, feeding the family, housing costs, or the price of education, we often worry about these things rather than trusting in God’s provision. But as Bono famously said, “The God I believe in isn’t short of cash, mister”. If our God can create 16 Psyche—something so extravagant in the middle of nowhere—then He can surely be trusted with our needs.

In Matthew 6, Jesus assures us that we don’t need to worry about the basic needs of life, such as food, drink, or clothing. It’s not because those things aren’t important, but because anxiety doesn’t provide what we need. God already knows about each burden, and He is a generous Father. It doesn’t mean He promises us riches or an easy life, but instead that we can trust Him to care for us even more than the flowers of the field, the birds of the air, or asteroids in space.

Instead of worrying, He calls us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”. It’s an invitation to completely reprioritise what we pursue and what we concern ourselves with. We are charged to make decisions about the practical aspects of our lives—our money, possessions, and work—not out of fear or anxiety, but in complete surrender to Jesus and His kingdom. We can ask ourselves, “Does this align with His desires?” “Does this put Jesus first?” “Does this show love for others?”

Trusting God doesn’t replace budgeting, generosity, or wise decisions. Instead, it transforms how we approach them. As our lives become reoriented toward Jesus and His kingdom, He assures us that the Father will faithfully care for our own needs in the process.

Financial pressures are very real, but let’s be people who focus on the priorities of Jesus’ kingdom and trust Him to meet every practical need that we have.

Let’s Pray
Father, You know the financial pressures that I worry about. Forgive me for the times when fear or greed have ruled my thinking. Teach me to seek Your Kingdom first, to trust in Your loving care, and to make decisions shaped by faith rather than anxiety. Thank You for being a generous Father who knows what I need. Amen.