My thoughts (Brent Walsh):
“This is ridiculous!” I said, throwing the checkbook onto the kitchen table with a thud. And for good measure, I threw the pen down after it. My checking account balance was in the negative again! Where was I going to get the money for my car payment? And how was I going to pay the electric bill? And what would I live on for another week while I waited for my next paycheck? My credit cards were maxed out, and now I felt forced to get another payday loan, just so I would have money to live on for another week!
How did this keep happening to me? I made good money, lived in a decent neighborhood, drove a reliable car, and wore a smile to church every Sunday. My friends and I would go out to eat every week at our favorite restaurant and talk about life, love, and the pursuit of the perfect vacation spot. Little did they know, I was going home every night wondering if the electricity would still be on when I walked through the door. And knowing what I know now, I’m sure some of them were in the same financial bind I was in!
At the time, I thought that if I could just make a little more money in my paycheck every week, or have better medical insurance with lower deductibles, or not have to pay so much in taxes — or any number of other excuses — I could actually WIN in my financial battles. I kept blaming everything else for my money troubles instead of trying to figure out how I could change things from the inside.
Have you ever watched someone who was trying to walk their dog, but the dog was pulling them along so hard by the leash that they had a hard time keeping up? This was happening with me. If my finances were put into a cartoon strip, you would see me flying along behind my checkbook as it took off down the street, throwing checks in every direction. My lack of money was dictating every move I made. I was barely treading water, and I was starting to lose hope that it would ever get any better.
Then something happened that changed everything. I was tired of being beaten up by overdraft fees, creditors, and the cash-advance shark pit. I decided it was time to be the boss and stand up for myself. So I looked for someone who could teach me how to do that. I signed up for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and started learning how to manage my money.
In a matter of months I had all my bills caught up and $1000 in my newly-established bank account! How did this happen? Did I get a raise? Did I win the lottery? Did Dave move into my house and manage my checkbook for me? None of those things. I changed my behavior. Getting out of debt is hard work, but I now have a sense of purpose with my money, and I feel like I can dream again!
As the New Year approaches, resolutions will be made and broken. People will say they want to lose weight, get out of debt, improve their relationships, develop closer bonds with their children, go back to school, and a million other lofty aspirations. But the important thing to remember is that resolutions are just words and pipe dreams until you change your behavior.
This class was the right next step for me. What concrete step can you take to make a change in your behavior to make your dreams and resolutions come true?
Thought for the day: This year, resolve to do more than just make New Year’s resolutions. Resolve to change your behavior!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
We’re pleased to announce that our very first book of devotionals — entitled Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians — is now available! It’s 100 meditations from the very best of Be Still and Know. More info at the new Found Pearl Press website; also available from Amazon.com.