Becky Crenshaw

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 surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:8-9

Yesterday morning, as soon as my eyes opened, the Lord directed my thoughts towards our family budget.

My mind double-clicked on each bank account and began calculating numbers.  And with each addition and subtraction, anxiety wanted to rise.

Anxious (merimnaō): to be troubled with cares

So instead of pouring coffee and writing a prayer, I poured out my heart in a petition to the Lord… for our budget.

According to Focus on the Family, “money is one of the top causes of friction in a marriage.” Wouldn’t you say “friction” is a very gentle term?  Some couples would say money is the number one cause of explosion in marriage.  I am so grateful to say that the Lord has brought us great healing and reconstruction in this area of our marriage, but anxiety still wants to rear its head from time to time.  Especially this time of year.

Is your marriage “troubled with the cares” because of money this weekend? Do you and your spouse suffer from a little “friction” due to the overdue?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Everything (pas): in everything; in every way; on every side, in every particular relation or matter

Prayer (proseuchē): prayer addressing God

Petition (deēsis): imploring God’s aid in some particular matter; seeking, asking, entreating; making an earnest request.

So yesterday morning, I did just what Paul instructs in Philippians 4.  I petitioned God about this area of our marriage.  I addressed our accounts in prayer, one by one… every particular matter of our money went before the Father.

Praying over your budget is playing marriage on the offense.  Because if it not today, then maybe tomorrow, the enemy will try to get a foothold through your pocket-book.

I have a petition notebook that stays next to my Bible.  A spiral bound book of prayers where I “present my requests to God” and keep record of His unfolding faithfulness.

And with each strike of my pen, the “peace that surpasses all understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”  Giving my marriage and my money to Him relieves and protects me from this heavy yoke.

Thanksgiving (eucharistia): the giving of thanks for God’s blessing

God is faithful – In marriage.  In money.  In every matter.   Even if the numbers don’t suit your fancy,  give Him thanks still.

“In prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING” – this is where financial peace begins.

This weekend, petition the Lord for your family budget.  First, thank Him for His faithfulness.  Next, petition Him for your financial needs.  And with continued prayer, discipline and time, watch the God of your budget protect and deliver you from this potential, heavy yoke.

Lord, this morning I lift up my marriage and our money.  I thank you for your faithfulness to us over the years.  Thank you for every provision.  Every cent is from Your hand and by Your grace.  Help us continue to steward our dollars with care, recognizing that you have entrusted us to manage our money for Your Glory.  I bind a spirit of anxiety and ask You to give us wisdom on how to operate our household budget.  You know our every need Father and you meet it and care for our every need.  You are so good God.  Protect my marriage from the friction that can be caused from financial stress.  In Jesus Name, Amen.