Are you worried about money?

Most Americans are. In fact, a study from CreditCards.com reveals that 65% are losing sleep because of their financial state. The most common stressor is the cost of healthcare or insurance bills. This is closely followed by concern over retirement savings and student loans. Mortgages and credit cards are not far behind.

Worrying about money is an epidemic. But worrying changes nothing. In fact, it is sin.

Jesus tells us In Matthew 6 not to worry about anything.

A study last year found that 3 in 4 millennials are deeply worried over their ability to make student loan payments every month. With our student loan debt currently standing at $1.4 trillion it is no wonder they are stressed.

Fortunately, there is hope. The writer of Proverbs 21:5 declares, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Do you want to quit worrying about money and find financial freedom? Here are 2 steps to get you started:

Step 1: Pray.

This may seem obvious, or overly spiritual, but you’ll always have stress and anxiety about money until you surrender your finances to God.

Dedicate time to praying about your finances specifically, and surrender control to God. Start by reading Matthew 6. Remind yourself of the promises of God, and start thinking of yourself as a manager, not owner, of all you have.

• Meditate on His goodness and praise Him with a thankful heart.
• Confess your sin and ask for direction.
• Give your anxiety to Him and resolve not to take it back.
• Live one day at a time and appreciate the blessings all around you.
• Attempt to live in joyful anticipation of God’s provision and loving care.

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Step 2: Make a Budget.

Again, I know this may seem too simple or obvious, but it can bring you freedom.

Think about it like cleaning your house. If all your children’s toys, clothes, and shoes are strewn about, you may experience some stress. That’s because there is a place where all those items belong (toy chest, closet, or the laundry room). But when those clothes, toys, or shoes aren’t in their proper homes, it looks (and feels) like chaos.

So you start with one thing – everyone has to make their beds. That first step helps you to clear some space to attack the rest of the mess. It’s a simple task because every toy, article of clothing, and pair of shoes has a home. It all belongs somewhere. The cleaning that has to take place is picking up all the items and simply putting them in their rightful homes. When this is done, everything is orderly, organized, and stress-free.

Same goes with your money. Budgeting is the financial equivalent of making your bed and hanging up the laundry. It will help you reduce your financial stress because it allows you to see where every dollar is going. You assign a “home” or a “purpose” to every dollar, and when each dollar is in its rightful home or used for the correct purpose, there is no need to stress. It takes a routine, discipline, and planning to be successful, but it’s not complicated or burdensome.

We believe that budgeting is an essential part of stewardship, and want to make it simple for you to have a budget you love. This easy-to-use guide will help you create a budget that works for you and your unique situation. It has everything you need to get started, so download it for free now!