By: C.J. Lloyd, January 10, 2025

Money. It’s a topic that can make people squirm in their seats. For many, it’s easier to talk about almost anything else—politics, relationships, or even personal struggles—than to dive into a conversation about finances. Yet, money is an integral part of our lives, and avoiding the subject often leads to fear, confusion, or even poor financial decisions.

But what if we changed the narrative? What if we approached money—and investing—not as a taboo topic but as an opportunity to grow in faith and wisdom? Scripture reminds us that we are stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. When we embrace this perspective, we can move from fear to freedom, even in the complex investing world.

The Roots of Financial Fear

For many, the fear of investing stems from uncertainty. What if I lose money? What if I make the wrong decision? These questions can paralyze us, keeping our resources stagnant instead of working for us. Others might struggle with guilt, wondering if investing is compatible with living a life of faith and generosity.

Fear often results from a lack of understanding or a mindset focused on scarcity rather than abundance. But as believers, we’re called to approach life—and money—with trust in God’s provision.

Reframing the Way We See Money

Let’s start by acknowledging that money is not inherently good or bad; it’s a tool. Like any tool, its value depends on how we use it. Investing isn’t about greed or hoarding wealth; it’s about stewarding resources wisely to grow them for future needs, support our families, and bless others.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) offers a powerful reminder of this principle. The servant who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked, while those who took risks and multiplied their resources were praised. This story teaches us that God honors wise stewardship and intentional growth.

Steps to Overcome Investment Anxiety

1. Educate Yourself

Fear often comes from the unknown. Take time to learn the basics of investing—how it works, the risks involved, and the potential rewards. Start small and build your confidence as you go. Countless resources are available to help you understand stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more.

2. Seek Wise Counsel

Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Don’t hesitate to seek advice from trusted financial professionals or mentors who can guide you with wisdom and integrity.

3. Start with a Kingdom Mindset

Before making investment decisions, pray for guidance and align your goals with God’s purposes. Ask yourself: How can my investments reflect my values? How can they support the work of the Kingdom?

4. Take Small Steps

You don’t need to dive into the deep end of the investment pool. Start with small, manageable amounts. As you see growth and gain confidence, you can expand your portfolio.

5. Remember Who Holds Your Future

Ultimately, our security doesn’t come from our bank accounts or investment portfolios—it comes from God. Trusting Him with your finances means releasing the fear of loss and embracing the freedom to steward your resources boldly.

Freedom in Faithful Stewardship

Moving from fear to freedom in investing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of learning, trusting, and growing. But as you overcome your anxiety, you’ll discover the peace that comes from faithful stewardship.

Imagine the impact you can make—not just for your own future but also for your family, your church, and your community—when you invest with courage and purpose. Let’s break the taboo around money and step into the freedom of aligning our financial decisions with our faith.

Your financial journey isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trusting God to do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So take that first step, and let your faith guide you from fear to freedom.