How to Get Rid of Your Scarcity Mindset

I understand that many of my clients face deep-seated anxiety when it comes to money. It’s common to feel as though there’s never enough, leading to a constant state of worry about financial stability. This fear often prompts a deep need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and feeling as if you’re in a continual battle with your finances.

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This experience is often rooted in what we call a scarcity mindset. This mindset involves a persistent focus on what feels lacking in our lives—whether that absence is real or just perceived—which can deeply influence our reactions, how we view ourselves and those around us, and how we interpret our circumstances. As Aiko Bethea (2023) describes, it shapes our perspectives in ways that can leave us feeling inadequate and fearful.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and recognize them for what they are. To begin shifting away from this scarcity mentality, it can be helpful to start by asking ourselves some introspective questions. This process can lead to greater clarity and a more hopeful outlook on our financial situations.

What Are You Afraid Of? 

First, let’s examine your fears. Many women I speak with are primarily afraid of not being able to pay their bills and, ultimately, “ending up on the street.” This fear drives them to work incredibly hard to prevent that from happening. Physically, they often put in long hours, sometimes juggling multiple jobs. Emotionally, they feel stressed and overwhelmed; mentally, they are overloaded, always preparing for the worst-case scenario. However, the fear of ending up on the street never truly dissipates, no matter how much they plan or how much their income grows. In fact, the more they have, the more they fear losing it all.

Where Did This Fear Begin?

When I ask my clients if they have ever gone without their essential needs, I often find that this fear originates from childhood. Many share stories of times when their parents struggled to put food on the table or when they faced eviction and were forced to live in uncomfortable situations. These experiences fostered feelings of helplessness and loss of security. As a result, in adulthood, they are determined to never experience such scarcity again, either for themselves or for their children. This fear becomes a stronghold in their lives, motivating them to distance themselves as much as possible from the possibility of feeling helpless or financially insecure.

God’s Remedy

Our approach to overcoming scarcity often stands in stark contrast to God’s approach. Many of us mistakenly believe that simply earning enough money will guarantee our financial security. Yet, the reality is that it never quite fulfills us. This is evident in the statistics: 89% of lottery winners return to playing, and 70% end up broke. Instead, we can turn to God’s guidance in Hebrews 13:5, which reassures us: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” God highlights three critical points:   

  1. First, He urges us to “keep our lives free from the love of money.” Many people don’t realize how deeply they may cherish wealth. Consider your feelings: do you find joy in a healthy bank balance and despair when it dips? Anything that controls your emotions like that indicates an unhealthy relationship.  
  2. Second, God calls us to embrace contentment. Reflect on your current situation: are your basic needs being met? That alone should inspire gratitude and a sense of peace.  
  3. Lastly, God provides reassurance against the fear of scarcity. His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” is the foundation of our trust. This means we need not fear the future, as the Creator who fulfills all our needs will always stand by us. Isn’t that uplifting?

Conclusion

Imagine the profound transformation your life could experience by fully embracing God’s unwavering promise that He will never leave you or forsake you. Picture yourself living each day free from the anxieties of financial instability, no longer haunted by the fear of running out of resources. Envision waking up each morning filled with peace and assurance instead of trepidation. As beautifully expressed in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This assures us that rather than being consumed by fear, we are blessed with God’s abundant love. 

Consider the incredible changes that could unfold if you consciously chose His love over your fears. Visualize the relationships you would nurture, the dreams you would wholeheartedly pursue, and the joy that would fill your days. With every step taken in faith, the burdens of worry would lighten, allowing you to flourish in the richness of God’s grace and presence.

At Very Present Help Counseling by Ebony Johnson, we provide compassionate, faith-based virtual counseling services tailored for adults grappling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, PTSD, and trauma. Our approach integrates spiritual care with professional counseling, offering a beacon of hope and a path toward healing.

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