Letting Go of Control: Surrendering Your Finances to God

Discover the peace, contentment, and blessings that come with surrendering your finances to God. Learn how to honor Him with your money in this biblical perspective blog.

Surrendering Your Finances to God: A Biblical Perspective

Money is a subject that can stir up a lot of emotions in people. It can cause anxiety, stress, and even fear. However, as Christians, we are called to surrender every area of our lives to God, including our finances.

In this article, we will explore what it means to surrender our finances to God and how we can do so from a biblical perspective. We will also discuss the benefits of surrendering our finances to God and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Does It Mean to Surrender Our Finances to God?

Surrendering our finances to God means acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him. As the psalmist says in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This includes our money, possessions, and resources.

When we surrender our finances to God, we are recognizing that He is the source of all our provision. We are also acknowledging that we are stewards of what He has given us and that we are responsible for using our resources in a way that honors Him.

How Can We Surrender Our Finances to God?

1. Give First

One way to surrender our finances to God is by giving Him the first fruits of our income. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Giving the first portion of our income to God demonstrates our trust in Him as our provider. It also helps us prioritize our spending and avoid overspending on non-essentials.

2. Live Within Our Means

Another way to surrender our finances to God is by living within our means. Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." Living within our means means avoiding debt and making wise financial decisions.

We can do this by creating a budget, tracking our expenses, and avoiding impulse purchases. By living within our means, we are acknowledging that God is in control of our finances and that we trust Him to provide for our needs.

3. Be Generous

A third way to surrender our finances to God is by being generous. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Being generous means giving to others in need, supporting our church and other ministries, and investing in causes that align with our values. By being generous, we are demonstrating our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom.

What Are the Benefits of Surrendering Our Finances to God?

1. Peace of Mind

One benefit of surrendering our finances to God is peace of mind. When we trust God to provide for our needs, we can let go of anxiety and worry about the future. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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."

2. Contentment

Another benefit of surrendering our finances to God is contentment. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we can experience a sense of gratitude and satisfaction. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

3. Blessings

A third benefit of surrendering our finances to God is blessings. When we honor God with our finances, He promises to bless us in return. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it wrong to want to be rich?

There is nothing wrong with desiring financial abundance. However, our motivation for wanting wealth should be rooted in a desire to honor God and bless others, rather than a desire for personal gain or status.

2. Should Christians invest in the stock market?

There is no biblical mandate against investing in the stock market. However, Christians should exercise wisdom and discernment when making investment decisions and avoid investing in companies that engage in unethical practices.

3. What should I do if I am struggling financially?

If you are struggling financially, seek wise counsel from trusted advisors, create a budget, and consider ways to increase your income or reduce your expenses. Also, pray and trust God to provide for your needs.

4. Should I tithe on my gross or net income?

There is no clear biblical mandate on whether to tithe on gross or net income. However, tithing on gross income demonstrates a greater level of trust in God's provision and helps us prioritize our giving.

5. Can God bless me financially?

Yes, God can bless us financially. However, our motivation for seeking financial blessings should be rooted in a desire to honor God and bless others, rather than a desire for personal gain or status.

Conclusion

Surrendering our finances to God is an act of faith and obedience that can bring peace, contentment, and blessings. By giving first, living within our means, and being generous, we can honor God with our finances and trust Him to provide for our needs.

As Christians, we must remember that our money is not our own. It belongs to God, and we are called to use it in a way that honors Him and advances His kingdom. May we all seek to surrender our finances to Him and trust Him to guide us in our financial decisions.