One key to obtaining God’s peace in respect of finances is to understand and fulfill your responsibilities as a steward.

Stewardship requires that we acknowledge that God owns everything and that we act accordingly. That is, we need to learn and implement God’s principles in managing the money that God has entrusted to us in accordance with his will and not our own will. (Please see my financial moment titled “Biblical Stewardship Is Temporary Management” for more information on stewardship.)

Fulfilling stewardship responsibilities requires the following:

1. On a regular basis, spend quality time in prayer with God, asking God for his wisdom with respect to the money that he has entrusted to you. God has promised, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

2. Study and meditate on God’s Word with regard to finances regularly. “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Josh. 1:8). With more than 2,000 references to money, the Bible offers plenty of wisdom from God on finances.

3. Demonstrate your faith in God by trusting God to provide for your needs and direct you according to his will. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3: 5, 6)

On the other hand, God’s responsibilities and promises include the following:

1. God has promised that he will meet our needs if we put him first:
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6: 31–33)

Please note that God has promised to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants and desires.
2. God has promised to direct us—including our financial decisions—according to his will: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Ps. 32:8)

In summary, as a steward, it is important to focus on God, his Word, and his will. If you fulfill your responsibilities, then, regardless of your financial circumstances, you can know for certain that God will fulfill his promises and you will have God’s peace in regard to your finances. 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).