A Psalm 4 Tough Times

Written by Marybeth Whalen
Author of "Learning to Live Financially Free"

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”

Lord, you saw that list of layoffs my company is talking about. I don’t know what the future holds and I am worried about what that could mean for my family. I know that we should have had some savings built up for times like these… but we just never did. Lord, help me to make changes in the future so I am not faced with this situation ever again.

“How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.”

Lord, I admit that I once sought the false god of money. I looked to it as a means of security, identity, and status. As I have watched my financial house crumble in these tough times, I know now that I was foolish. I know that I should have placed my trust in You and You alone. Thank You for not giving up on me and for still listening when I call to You. It is a great comfort to know that You are sovereign and that Your promises will stand.

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.”

Lord, when all the dreary financial forecasts first started coming in, I admit it: I was angry. I wanted to blame someone—anyone—even You, Lord. I wanted to shake my fist and say, “How could You let this happen?” And yet, deep down I knew that this situation grieves you. That you wanted us to make smart financial choices but we just… didn’t. I know now that I need to live differently than I have been all these years. I want to start tithing regularly and trust You fully with my finances.

“Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Lord, everyone around me keeps talking like our country is going to collapse. And yet, I know that no matter what, You will take care of me and my family. Instead of wringing my hands and pacing the floor, I am going to turn over my worries about the economy to You. I am going to lay my burdens in Your hands and rest peacefully. Through You I can still have joy no matter how tough things get. Because Your joy outlasts anything money can buy.

(Passages quoted from Psalm 4, New International Version)

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Don't you just love this Psalm 4 Tough Times!?. I was so glad Marybeth let me share it here with you. This is something we can all relate to. I also love how it shows us the power of reading God's Word and then relating it to our lives, our stories, and our struggles.

I wanted to share this with you and also tell you about Marybeth's new book Learning to Live Financially Free. It was just released, and I'm giving away a copy! Here's a little bit about it:

In this timely new book based on their own financial challenges, Marybeth and Curt Whalen offer hard-earned wisdom and hope to families who struggle with debt and the consequences of financial mistakes. What makes this book different is that it's not just advice; it's one family's experience. The Whalens draw from their first twelve years of marriage and financial struggles to create a resource that provides a helpful hand and a hopeful word for couples who need to get and keep their finances in order and nurture their marriage at the same time.

After reviewing the book, Denise Joiner in Willis, TX wrote, "I won this book on a blog giveaway, and read it rather quickly. I couldn't get enough of the VERY helpful tips that are mentioned. I usually feel guilty when talking about money, but this book helps you to realize money is a tool NOT a problem. I loved it. I've passed it on to a friend, and plan on passing it on to MANY more. I plan to buy a few morefor some friends that are getting married this year. I loved it! Thanks Curt and Marybeth.

To win a copy of Learning to Live Financially Free, just leave a comment below this post today with your email. I"ll be announcing the winner Monday.

And for more chances to win you can take a financial quiz here and find out your score here where two more copies are being given away.

Spring Blessings,