09/09/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Sleepless Nights: How Debt Can Steal Your Peace"
Proverbs 22:7 – "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."
A Lesson from a Persian Tale
Sharam lay tossing and turning in bed for what seemed like the hundredth time. His wife, Meena, groaned, “Please go to sleep! Tomorrow will be another busy day.” Frustrated by her husband’s restlessness, she added, “When you’re this upset, I can’t sleep either!”
Sharam sighed, “If only you knew my problems. A few months ago, I signed a note, and tomorrow it’s due. I have no money to pay it back, and our neighbor, to whom I owe the money, can be as poisonous as a scorpion when it comes to debts. How can I sleep knowing this?”
Meena, trying to comfort him, whispered, “Wait until morning; things may look different. Perhaps we'll find a solution by then.”
Sharam groaned again, “Nothing will work. It’s all lost!”
Finally, losing her patience, Meena stormed out of bed and climbed onto the roof. She called over to their neighbor, “Oh, neighbor! You know my husband owes you a debt due tomorrow. Well, here’s something you don’t know—he can’t pay it!”
Without waiting for a response, she went back to bed, saying, “If I can’t sleep, neither should my neighbor!” She snuggled under the blankets, while Sharam, still anxious, listened to the quiet. Soon, the only sound was the peaceful breathing of the couple as they drifted off to sleep.
Reflection: They still owe the money, but now perhaps their neighbor will lose some sleep too.
If we’re not careful, we can end up like Sharam—enslaved to money, offending others, and losing peace. Our financial choices affect more than just ourselves. They impact our relationships with others and with God. The deeper we fall into debt, the less freedom we have to invest in God's kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you free to use your money for God’s purposes, or are you enslaved by debt?
- How does your financial situation impact your ability to fully serve God?
- What practical steps can you take this week to reduce debt and increase your giving?
Romans 13:8 teaches that the only debt we should owe others is the debt of love. If you owe more than that, take steps to free yourself from those obligations. The less you owe to your neighbor or the bank, the more you can invest in God’s work.
Practical Application:
- Start a Budget: Create a budget that prioritizes debt repayment while still giving to God’s work.
- Seek Contentment: Avoid unnecessary debt by practicing contentment with what you already have (Philippians 4:11-13).
- Consider a Financial Fast: Try a month-long financial fast where you spend only on essentials. Use the saved money to pay down debt or contribute to gospel-centered charities.
Spiritual Encouragement:
Debt can feel like a heavy burden, but God provides wisdom and strength to overcome it. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Trust God’s provision as you take practical steps toward financial freedom. With His guidance, you can experience peace in your finances and freedom to invest in His kingdom.
