Financial stress feels different than other kinds of stress, doesn’t it? It’s a fear-inducing blend of “what am I going to do?” with “I’ve completely lost control.”

Have you been here before?

When you go the grocery store, you feel torn between the food you want your kids to eat and the food you can afford. When you pull out your checkbook to pay rent, you simultaneously check your bank account, anxiously making sure you have enough to foot the bill. When the weekend rolls around, you find yourself researching free activities in hopes of staying within your monthly “entertainment” budget, which leaves little room for family fun.

It’s a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety. And it has slowly worn you down. You long for a day when you can responsibly manage your money without constantly worrying about the balance on your bank statement.

But that day feels beyond reach. For now, you’re stuck feeling discouraged, defeated and afraid. What can you do?

You can begin by opening your Bible and turning to God’s Word for peace, hope and assurance. These four Bible verses will help you get started:

1. Psalm 55:22 (GNTD)
   Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.
2. Psalm 16:8 (GNTD)
   I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me.
3. Psalm 121:1-2 (GNTD)
   I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
4. Psalm 56:3 (GNTD)
   When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you.
5. Psalm 27:8 (GNTD)
   The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.