I have a love-hate relationship with my bank app.

On the one hand, it’s convenient to be able to look at my account balance while waiting in the checkout line.

On the other hand, every time I open the app, those numbers never seem high enough. Sure, I might have enough for groceries this week, but what about next week? Or the week after that? My mind drifts to upcoming bills, unpurchased gifts, and unfulfilled wishes that only money can buy. I start to worry about any expenses I have forgotten.

By the time I reach the cashier’s desk, I’m calculating the impact of unexpected medical bills and spiraling deeper into financial worry.

Do you ever feel the same way?

Thinking about money is a normal part of living. This is not a bad thing—the Bible praises hard work and encourages us to build a secure future for ourselves and our families. But we weren’t created to find our hope in money. And when we care about money too much, the Bible warns that we will experience many sorrows as a result.

Whether you’re worrying about money in a grocery checkout line or facing severe financial struggles, you are not alone. God cares about you and invites you to receive the hope for the future he offers in his Word. By trusting in his eternal promises, you can experience peace that will withstand every financial worry.

Here are four things you can do when you’re feeling stressed about money.

Pause and check your heart.

When we feel stressed about finances, we might be looking to money to solve our problems instead of to God. The Bible teaches us that our hearts are like a compass—they’ll always point to where we find our treasure. If you’re dealing with financial anxiety, pause and check your heart. Is it pointing you toward a love of money or gratitude for God’s blessings and promises?

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”

Hebrews 13:5 GNT

Pray.

Living with financial worry is exhausting and discouraging. Like any good father, God invites us to come to him when we are carrying heavy burdens. We can bring our worries to him through prayer and ask him for everything we need, trusting that he will provide for us.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

Philippians 4:6 GNT

Take a walk.

The stress of financial worry can make our world feel small. One way to refocus our hearts on God’s promises is to get outside and consider his creation. As you walk around your neighborhood, through the woods, or in a local park, look for evidence of God’s care for all creation. Remind yourself that God cares for you even more!

“Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?

And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass—grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have!”

Matthew 6:26-30 GNT

Praise God.

Thanks to God’s rich blessings to us in Jesus Christ, we can rejoice and thank God in every circumstance. As you ask God to refocus your heart on his promises and provide for your needs, you can also praise him for the eternal hope that is yours in Jesus.

With all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 4:19-20 GNT