Financial problems frequently cause significant stress and anxiety, but God can provide his peace, no matter how difficult your financial problems. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

The first step to obtaining God’s peace in the midst of financial difficulties is prayer.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. (Phil. 4:4–7)

God promises that if we ask him, with a thankful heart, then he will give us a peace that is beyond our understanding. By the way, I do not believe that this is something that we can figure out or earn. It is fundamentally a gift from God: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance” (2 Thess. 3:16 NASB).

When under financial pressure, it is extremely important that you focus your attention on God, not on the financial problem. Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You” (NKJV).

In other words, God promises us his peace if we focus on him and trust him to enable us to deal with our financial problems.

As well as focusing on God for his peace when you are under financial pressure, it is also extremely important to focus on God and his Word to learn his principles with regard to finances. Sometimes, the reason for your financial problems is that you have violated one or more biblical principles, perhaps unknowingly.

In this regard, I recommend the 10-week small-group study developed by Crown Financial Ministries. If it is not currently available through your church, you can contact Crown Financial Ministries of Canada at 519-637-0626.