Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Timothy 6:6-12; Proverbs 30: 7-9

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On my financial journey, I had a few hard lessons to learn. Last December, I mindlessly scrolled through Instagram and bought everything I thought I needed until I maxed out a new credit card I signed up for. I had to face the hard truth that I had a problem with spending. It wasn’t until I practiced being content that I learned Enoughism: what you have is enough.

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My spending problem wasn’t new and it was certainly deeper than “needing” a few things. I had a desire to feel valued and noticed when I had something that others coveted. I didn’t realize this until I processed the root of the issue with the help of coaches and therapy.

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“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

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God’s grace gives us validation that we are enough

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I surrendered the desire to be seen by others and instead desired to be seen by God. This mindset shifted my paradigm from wanting material things to wanting God.

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God is enough

I practiced gratitude for the things God has given me, both tangible and intangible. I realized that Jesus is the most important and valuable thing in my life and without Him, I have nothing of value.

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Next, I practiced humility through serving others. This powerful action taught me that material things can fade away but the love, compassion, and kindness that you give to others is eternal.

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-12 NIV

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Money is inherently not evil but the “desire” of money is. Your focus becomes what you can get instead of what you can give. Tithing taught me to give to God first because it represented that I valued God more than the money. My life was transformed from a feeling of lack to blessing and abundance.

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God blesses those who seek his kingdom first

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My need to buy material things to feed the feeling of lack dissipated as I continued to surrender to God’s will. He began to pour into my life more blessings than I could imagine.

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“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or I may become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God.” – Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV

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Enoughism is a practice and an art

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How do you know when you have enough? Meditate on the Proverbs 30:7-9 scripture. Enoughism is when you are dependent on God’s provision. Too much and you’ll end up with pride against God or too little and you’ll do things that dishonor God.

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God meets and exceeds our expectations

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Even though you don’t know how God will provide, when you put your complete faith and trust in God, He will provide and abundantly so. I testify that this is true. I was in thousands of credit card debt but in less than a year of tithing, God has provided and given me more than I could ask for.

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When you feel like you don’t have enough, remember who your God is and you’ll know that He is enough

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Contentment is a practice. You can achieve this by listing all the things you are grateful for. If you struggle with finances, you can honor God by stewarding what you do have through a Vous Care Crew, Financial Peace University. Finally, surrendering your needs and desires to God and allowing Him to give you the peace and validation that you are enough.