Biblical Answer

When Feeling Overwhelmed by Debt

When feeling overwhelmed by debt, it is essential to acknowledge that it is a common challenge many people face. The Bible teaches that we should render all due obedience to the civil authorities (Romans 13:1-7), which includes managing our finances wisely. To start, we need to assess our financial situation, track our income and expenses, and create a budget that accounts for all our necessary expenses. This will help us identify areas where we can cut back and allocate our resources more effectively.

Breaking Free from Debt

To break free from debt, we must adopt a mindset of financial responsibility and discipline. This involves avoiding unnecessary debt, such as credit card debt, and being mindful of our spending habits. It is also crucial to prioritize our needs over our wants and make sacrifices when necessary. As Larry Burkett notes, the scriptural definition of debt is the inability to meet obligations agreed upon (Matthew 5:37). Therefore, it is essential to only take on debt that we can reasonably repay. Furthermore, we must learn to say "no" to unnecessary expenses and "yes" to living within our means.

Seeking God's Guidance

In times of financial struggle, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward. However, the Bible teaches that we should seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, including our finances. We can pray for God's provision and guidance, asking Him to show us how to manage our finances wisely and live free of burdensome debt. By seeking God's guidance and following His principles, we can break free from debt and live a life of financial freedom and peace. As the Bible says, "Let your one continuing debt be the debt of love" (Romans 13:8), and let us strive to live in obedience to God's principles in all areas of our lives.