I’m sick of thinking about money, the comedian said.
The sentence came from my computer screen—I was half-listening to a stand-up special playing in the background while cleaning. But this sentence made my ears perk up. The comedian’s words sounded familiar: I had thought those exact words just five minutes earlier. I stopped cleaning, turned up the volume, and leaned in closer to hear the rest of what Ryan Hamilton had to say.
Do you ever get to that point in your life? I just don’t wanna look at my bank account. Have you ever not looked at your bank account for like six months? Did you ever do that?
“Uhh, yes,” I said to the screen.
The comedian continued:
You go, “I know what’s going on there. I’ve see this cycle before. I’m gonna let that simmer for a while, see what happens on the other end.” Around month seven, you start using your card, like, “You can try and swipe that. Sure.”
“Too real,” I said. I recalled those anxiety-inducing moments at the checkout, swiping my card, praying that I had enough money left in my account.
There’s something oddly comforting about hearing someone else worry about money the same way you do, isn’t there? It helps you know you’re not alone.
And while Ryan’s comedic take on the stress of money—and the lack of it—might be comforting, there’s something even more comforting: knowing that God is with you and cares about your worries. The Bible tells us that we can leave all our worries with God, “because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). He understands your worries. God listens to you when you tell him your fears. And he will take care of you. Regardless of your account balance, God offers you a peace “which is far beyond human understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
If you’re vexing over a close-to-zero bank account balance, if you’re overwhelmed by the strain of mounting bills, you can bring those worries to God. Here are three prayers to get you started:
God, please help me. I can’t stop worrying about having enough money to pay the bills. I feel powerless, like nothing I do will fix the problem. Help me to find my power in you.
May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. — Colossians 1:11-12 (GNTD)
Lord, I want to trust you. Remind me that you care for me and will take care of me.
This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? —Matthew 6:25-26 (GNTD)
God, thank you for listening to my worries. You understand my anxiety. You see my frustration. I trust that you are with me. Continue to show me your love through your Word. Amen.
We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28 (GNTD)