Monthly Budget

“What we need has already been paid for. ” ~Iyhia McMichael

Financial advisors are sometimes necessary to help keep our finances in order. They help us create an avenue for financial freedom that we all desire, along with a cushion for emergencies and retirement. Although I am not a qualified financial advisor, I sit down and look over my financial budget at the end of every summer. During this time, I am able to reflect on the areas in my life that I need to cut back, set new goals, and prepare for the upcoming year. As I was looking over the past year’s budget, I was  having a hard time trying to figure out which areas I needed to shave back because all of my monthly expenses were truly expenses that I used. After many minutes of frustration, I decided to focus on something else to allow for some free mental space.

As I was preparing my morning smoothie, I realized that I did not have any more almond milk so I made a mental note to run to the store and purchase more. It was in that moment that I literally stopped in my mental and spiritual tracks. That was it! It was those moments throughout the week where I would spend five dollars here, ten dollars there that added up over the course of the month. Whether it was feeling as though I had to immediately replace the almond milk for myself or the fruit snacks and fruit juice that my son decides to eat within two days.  As I reflected more on this topic, I realized that I do this more times than not out of guilt, especially with my son.

“At the moment I have all I need- more than I need…!” Philippians 4: 18 (NLT)

In the book of Philippians 4: 12 Paul says, ” I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.” What an amazing testament of his faith. Paul trusted that God would truly supply all of his needs. He knew that whether his stomach was full or empty that he could still testify on the goodness of the Lord. After reading Paul’s words, I realized the Holy Spirit is our best financial advisor. It is through him that we are lead to the areas of our life that need to be cut back or poured into.  It doesn’t mater if the refrigerator is packed top to bottom or whether there is minimal food, God is still worthy to be praised and he will provide all of our needs.  I am constantly amazed how he is able to penetrate through the noisiest of scenes in our lives and make his way crystal clear. All we have to do is ask and he will lead us down the path we need to follow. I am not saying there is no benefit to having a financial advisor, but he showed me in the midst of making my morning smoothie that all we have to do is have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that is wide open.

#REBORN #RENEWED #RECOLORED