Psalms 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” These verses come to my mind as I watch the current relational and economic state of our world. In the process of practicing good stewardship, we create plans and outlines for how we would like our financial goals to be met. However, when these goals suddenly become less attainable from circumstances out of our control, doubt tries to creep into our mindset. Through all of the uncertainty of life, we must remember that we should be faithful as God is faithful.

In Psalms 18:30-33, it reads, “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” Practicing good stewardship ultimately gives control over to our Lord. By following the stewardship principles we establish in times of perceived certainty, we can better manage our resources in times of uncertainty.

The five main uses for money are giving, taxes, saving and investing, debt, and lifestyle. Good stewardship places value on each of those things in the order they are listed. God calls us first to give. In times of uncertainty, it is tempting to place this value aside temporarily in favor of self-preservation. To be faithful like God is faithful is to continue to give what we gave in the good times in the uncertain times. Giving is the best way to remind ourselves that everything we own is ultimately God’s.

The other four main uses of money are also heavily impacted by uncertainty. We must still pay our taxes and debts, but there is often a struggle of what to do with savings and investing. Sometimes it is a necessity to use our savings when uncertainty brings unemployment or extra living expenses. This is not always bad. We must give ourselves grace as we determine the proper uses of our savings. Savings are not meant to be hoarded but are meant to be used in accordance with the guidelines we created during good times. Do not allow uncertainty to cause you to give into the pressures of the times. This pressure is often evident in investing as well as individuals are tempted to pull their money out during uncertain times. The world of investing can definitely be difficult to navigate, but with the advice of a Christian financial advisor, people can best understand how to proceed with peace regarding their decisions.

Finally, our lifestyle amidst uncertainty varies greatly from the plans we set for ourselves. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” During uncertainty, we can continue to place our trust in the one thing that will never change: God’s faithfulness!