Finding Freedom in Finances: Emotions, Money, and God's Healing

Our hidden emotions around money can either chain us in fear or lead us to freedom. Discover how God brings healing and hope in financial stewardship.

"Money isn't about money."

I often get a strange look when I say this to clients. This invariably leads to the question: “if money isn’t about money, what’s it about, then?” This question gives me the opportunity to open up a conversation around money in a freeing, positive, and productive way, even if it doesn’t feel easy.

My goal as a financial counselor is to help clients understand God’s will for their lives as it relates to finances. I tell folks that come to me for financial counseling that I believe God wants me to speak to them about money as it relates to their emotions, number crunching and Biblical principles.

My mom always worried about money. Her tension and anxiety affected me even as a child. As a result, I grew up feeling insecure and uncertain about my family’s wellbeing. I remember standing in welfare lines and getting powdered milk, cheese, oatmeal, all in the same dull-colored containers. I felt ashamed and humiliated. This shame followed me into adulthood, causing relational problems and unwanted behavior patterns. God’s grace and help from counselors, family and friends set me free, but it impacted my quality of life significantly. 

Many of my clients will recognize a resource in my counseling called A Money Autobiography. I call this book a “can opener” because it invites us into the uncomfortable emotions that surround money.

Addressing these underlying emotions is key to healing our understanding of God and finances,

and we can trust that God is with us when we uncover difficult emotions surrounding our money.

A helpful diagnostic question: Why do we avoid addressing our financial problems?

I often find that the answer is because of painful memories that prevent us from managing our money as God’s good stewards of his provision. Because of this, many of my clients find that they are allowing financial stress to control them, rather than exercising good stewardship over their finances.

God desires that his children do not experience distress around finances but that they would feel comforted knowing that he cares for them. 

It is no small thing how unchecked and hidden emotions can profoundly impact a person’s life. God loves His children so much that He wants us to understand our emotions as they relate to money. He then can heal those areas and bring freedom. I have witnessed many people who were glad they took the step of discovering their emotions and as a result received God’s love, healing and direction. They were set free to become better stewards and understand God’s ways of managing the resources He has provided His children.

God cares deeply about your heart and your finances. If you’re ready to step into greater freedom, begin by reflecting on your emotions around money. We’d love to help you take the next step toward financial peace.

Wayne Reinholt has been serving as a Financial Counselor at In Him Christian Wellness for four years.

Wayne has forty-five years of experience helping people manage their money well and with Biblical principles. He has created curriculum for churches to implement with their body, developed teaching tools for believers on how to steward well, and counseled many couples preparing for marriage.

Wayne is also an avid golfer and plays a crucial role in planning the annual Golf Tournament for In Him.

Learn More About Wayne