Just $5...

I have picked up a new read. For a few months I have been reading different books on how to develop and sustain a healthy marriage, after the last one I realized that it might be good to start the process of healing personally. Not that it's not important to learn and grow in the knowledge of how to live life together as a couple, rather coming to a deeper understanding of how important it is to be as emotionally healthy as you can be before you enter into such a covenant. There are plenty of ways that the enemy will try to destroy such a relationship.  In fact it is very likely, that if both people are not fully aware of their own feelings, insecurities, weaknesses and wounds, he will attack there first.

Take for instance my fear of being irresponsible financially. For the past 4 years I have been facing head on the challenge to get out of debt. It has not been easy, but by the grace of God I have managed to make a lot of progress. It is still a work in progress and I am grateful that God is still providing every cent to pay off my debt. How does this example carry over to marriage? Finances are one of the leading causes of divorce. People can't don't take seriously the scriptures talking about finances and instead of opening up to their spouse, they hide the shame that comes with debt. I have read over and over again chapters talking about how important it is to be open and clear about financial expectations. Shining a light into the darkness of debt is huge in every marriage and as I have fought so hard to get this area of my life under control, it's scary to add in a new variable. 

For me it's not a matter of actually acquiring more money but rather being a good steward of what God has given me. My expectations on how too spend money have morphed over the years and are now at a point where I feel like I have a grasp on it. In the natural it seems like by adding in a second persons expectation it could only opens the door for the enemy to cause strife and frustration. Not because either person wants it to be there, but it is life and lets face it, the money aspect is tough to handle. We are faced everyday with tough decisions on how to spend what we have. We each have wants, desires, and even needs that need to be met by the finances that we acquire. However, I am coming to a deeper understanding of how important it is too continually run, scratch that I mean sprint, to the foot of the cross asking God to give you wisdom. 

What we have been given financially is not our own to spend. It should never have felt like it was my money to begin with. God has graciously given me much and as I learn to thinking biblically about money I pray that you too would sprint to the cross. For me walking will only leave room for the enemy to bring doubts and temptations, running doesn't seem quick enough, sprinting brings a clear understanding that you recognize with urgency the need to have God's perspective. 

Here is a website that I found that gives plenty of biblical references on finances. If you want, spend some time praying and meditating on just a few of them. Who knows, maybe God has something to say to you this morning. :)

B