Living On The Edge

About a quarter of US families are living from paycheck to paycheck, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances in 2022, and almost half of American households have no savings or retirement accounts. There is no room for unexpected expenses. For these people, the future can look pretty bleak. Added to this is that 6.6% of the baby boomer generation is still paying off college loans for their children or grandchildren. They are living on the edge financially.

The future can be very uncertain for those living from paycheck to paycheck (including  myself). However, we must keep in mind that life is more than money. As far as Christians  are concerned, anyone living on the edge must throw themselves upon the grace of God for his provision. One must see the “big picture” that God has for their life, and stay focused on God‘s purpose for them. Pray for God’s blessing upon the future. His economy is not subject to ours. God can provide in ways we know not of.

It can be very depressing to be stuck in living from pay to paycheck with no extra money to do anything or go somewhere. However, you can develop a defeated attitude if you allow your happiness to be controlled by your circumstances. And negativity blocks the mind from thinking about creative solutions. Philippians 4:11 says to learn in whatever situation you are to be content. If you are living on the edge hold onto God’s security.  His grace can sustain you and he might just bring you back from the edge if you ask him to, in ways only he can do. Pray for God‘s blessing on your finances, but cut back on anything you don’t absolutely have to have, and shop at discount stores.

“The problem is that if need means ‘essential for life,’ most of the things we load into our need category aren’t really needs. They are actually desires that have become so precious and important to us that we have come to the point that we cannot conceive of being happy without them. At this point, they capture our thoughts, direct our desires, shape the way we think about our lives, and ultimately define how we think about God.” (1)

Ask God for wisdom for the future. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Proverbs 3:5-6 adds, “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

Do what you can,where you are, and with what you have to work with. Leave the rest in God‘s hands. Things may or may not change overnight, but you will have his peace in the midst of your circumstances. Be thankful for what you do have, and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding  will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you are not a Christian and are living on the edge, commit your life to God and  allow him to guide you into your new future. Pray for God’s blessing over your finances and things may happen that you never expected.

1. Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies, Crossway Publishers, 2014, November 22 Devotional