While out to dinner with a friend, you bite your lip, reach for the check and anxiously read the total on the bottom of the bill. Discouraged, you pull out your credit card, planning to charge another purchase you can’t afford.

But before the server returns to your table, your friend comes to the rescue. “Hey, dinner is on me tonight!” she says. You play along, fighting for the tab, hoping she’ll fight harder than you. She does. “Ok, ok, just this once!” you respond.

As the server leaves with your check—and your friend’s card—you wonder if you’ll ever walk into a restaurant without worrying about the bill. You wonder if you’ll ever make social plans without fearing an unexpected expense. And you wonder if you’ll ever stop hiding from your financial problems.

Have you been here before? No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to overcome the stress of a near-empty bank account. Will I ever be able to pay the tab? you wonder. How long will this last?

Thankfully, the Bible offers promises of peace, hope and perseverance for circumstances like this one. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, open your Bible and meditate on God’s Word. These five Bible verses will get you started:

1. Lord, give me peace when my finances cause stress.
   Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (GNTD)
2. Lord, guide me as I make decisions about my money.
   I praise the Lord, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. – Psalm 16:7-8 (GNTD)
3. Lord, provide for my needs when money feels elusive.
   And 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 (GNTD)
4. Lord, give me hope when I feel hopeless.
   I said, “I am falling”; but your constant love, O Lord, held me up. Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad. – Psalm 94:18-19 (GNTD)
5. Lord, help me honor you with my finances.  
   “So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ … Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. – Matthew 6:31,33 (GNTD)