The secret to financial success is not really a secret. Furthermore, it has been written, printed, spoken about, and widely available for thousands of years. True financial success has always been rooted in prayer.

Wait, before you click away, hear me out.

Check out this scripture:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Don’t Worry

God doesn’t want anyone to be anxious. It is never His will for you to worry. But, have you worried about something concerning your financial position in the last year? The last month? Maybe last week? Today?

As I listen to the news (which I try not to) or speak to clients, friends, and family in recent days, I always sense an aroma of worry. Many people are concerned about the economy. They are worried about what a family member might do or think about their possessions. The possibility of a job loss is in the back of their mind. The list goes on and on.

But the Bible says to not worry about anything. Some may worry about just a few things, but that is not how we should live. Instead, give all your fears and anxiety over to Jesus.

The media is obviously trying to push and sell the idea that you should be gravely concerned with everything all the time. However, this idea is the direct opposite of what the Word of God says.

Imagine a life with no worry about anything ever. That’s what God wants for your life.

This may seem impossible, especially if you only know one way of living. But I would like to give you the secret to financial success and a life with no anxiousness about finances.

The answer is extremely clear, “…instead, pray about everything”. Yep, it is that easy.

The Secret to Financial Success is Prayer

The first step in praying is right there is this passage: “Tell God what you need”. Have you laid before God all your needs?

Eleven years ago, I found myself at the beginning of what I now know was the process of digging a huge hole. At the time, I thought I knew what I was doing. But looking back, I see that I was making every financial decision without prayer. The result? Over $100,000 of debt and a whole lot of worry.

For sure, you want to follow a proven process, as I mention in Get Out of Debt Fast! But, prayer is the secret sauce in the process.

God is our Father, our loving Father. He cares about everything you need just like every loving parent does. But here is the difference: He made it all and owns it all, unlike earthly parents.

Do you see that? He can provide anything, anytime, anywhere … because He is God. And He loves you so much that He is just waiting for you to come to Him with your request.

Pray with Thanksgiving

The second step is to thank Him: “…and thank him for all he has done.”

There is nothing worst than seeing your kid get handed a gift from someone and they not say, “thank you”. You know how it is. We lean over and whisper to our child: “What do you say?” Don’t be that kid!

We should wake up thanking God for the roof over our heads, the food on our plate, the clothes on our backs, and so much more. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the stuff he has provided. What about the ability to work and earn a living? What about sanity and intelligence? Believe me, if you don’t think God has given you these things, test Him … no, please don’t do that.

God has created you. He loves you. God wants the best for you. Just ask and He will provide.

A Life Full of Peace

Let me assure you that a life without worry is a better life. God wants you to have peace.

Many of us think that peace is near impossible, but I want to challenge your definition of peace. Do you define peace as not having any lack? Would you describe peace as a life without conflict? Is your definition of peace not having to go to work?

If you don’t know what peace looks like, let me describe it to you. True peace is having rest in the knowledge that God is in control. But, let me go one step further. To know that God is in control, you need to believe in God.

It all starts with knowing who God is and understanding who you are, and the relationship you have with Him. When you acknowledge God as Creator, Father, Provider, Protector, … you find peace.

Beyond Peace … Protection

God goes beyond those petty needs we come to him with. Read that scripture again. The words “His peace will guard …” are so comforting.

Firstly, He provides for all your needs. Secondly, He guards you against harm so you may enjoy those provisions, by protecting your thoughts and your heart.

Whoa. You thought this was only about finances? Well, financial success is only found when you not only have possessions or money, but you are content with your ability to manage it for its rightful owner, God.

Dave Ramsey picked the perfect title for his best-selling book and world-renowned course: Financial Peace. If you have never taken this course, you must! It changed my life and saved my marriage.

In short, if your thoughts and heart are not right, you will be a miserable manager.

Have you ever met someone with many possessions, but doesn’t seem happy? That is because they have finances, but they haven’t found the secret to financial success.

Financial success truly “exceeds anything we can understand”.

The Secret to Financial Success: The Equation

It’s a mathematical equation: (W × 0) + P² = ∞

(W × 0) = no worry

P² = Prayer (thanking × asking)

∞ = exceeds anything we can understand

So, no worry, plus prayer to the second power (give thanksgiving × submit your humble requests), equals mind-blowing provision.

I guarantee the results will be more than enough to fulfill your heart’s desire and financial needs.

Wow! That’s powerful. That’s true peace and the secret to financial success.

Living the Dream

I hear people use the phrase “Living the Dream”. I have always wondered if they were really living what they dream about, or if their dream was even worth living.

If you really want a dream worth living, focus your thoughts on the one who gave you life.

Don’t miss the last six words of this scripture: “as you live in Christ Jesus.” True financial success is realized as you live a life dedicated to the One who gave you everything.

Certainly, ask Jesus what He would have you to do with the resources He has provided as you prayerfully plan.

Success Comes From the Savior

I want to leave you with this scripture written by the Apostle Peter. The International Children’s Bible puts this passage is a way that speaks directly to the heart of this subject:

“… To you who have received a faith as valuable as ours. You received that faith because our God and Savior Jesus Christ is fair and does what is right. Grace and peace be given to you more and more. You will have grace and peace because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord. Jesus has the power of God. His power has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness. Through his glory and goodness, he gave us the very great and rich gifts he promised us. With those gifts you can share in God’s nature …” – 2 Peter 1:1-4 (ICB)

God bless you. Go be financially successful with God’s Wealth + God’s Wisdom.