From Burden to Blessing: Finding Peace in a Debt-Free Life.

By Lisa Lindsey Shay/Journey Beyond the Silver Lining.

”The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” ~Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

Debt isn’t just a financial burden, it can be a spiritual stronghold. For many women, especially those in seasons of transition or hardship, money can become a source of constant anxiety, guilt, and even shame. I know this firsthand because I’ve been met with it more than once.

Our relationship with money started with our family. We unintentionally saw the value our parents placed on it without even realizing it. My mother was a homemaker and my father was in business for himself for most of his life. I got my first job the summer leading into high school. I worked consistently throughout those four years saving every paycheck to purchase my first car. Seeking my father’s love and approval I proudly displayed the balance on my bank book. My parents were surprised as my balance read $5000. It wasn’t too long after that my dad was asking for a loan. I was about to graduate from high school and loaning my dad money raised questions that I not dare ask. Why would my father need to borrow money from his youngest child? This question would never get answered, but fast forward 20 years and those same questions resurfaced as I saw him struggling once again.

God doesn’t want us to live in bondage to anything. Not fear, not the past, and certainly not debt. There is peace available when we surrender our finances to God and begin to walk in wisdom, trust, and obedience.

Over the next 40 years I would stumble, have financial setbacks and learn the very difficult lessons about how I value money and the people around me. I’ve had to set incredibly difficult boundaries with loved ones for which I’m grateful for the lessons during my debt free journey.

Peace doesn’t come from a higher income or a lucky break. It comes from a heart fully surrendered to God. When we shift our focus from our lack to His abundance, we begin to see things differently. Debt is a reality for many of us, but it doesn’t define us. God is our source, not our job or bank account.

It’s certainly takes grit and patience to get there, but I’m glad I put in the sacrifice to achieve this milestone. For some it may take a few months and others a few years. The decision is worth it.

“If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” ~James 1:5

Start with prayer and acknowledge the situation honestly. Create a clear picture of your finances. Set God honoring goals. Create a simple budget. Start with paying off small debt first. Practice contentment and stewardship. Celebrate progress and stay rooted in God’s promises.