“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18
I was reared on the low end of middle-class status. Although I had nothing to do with this, it was something which brought me a lot of shame. I wanted to be the cool girl with the nice clothes, big home, and fancy education but I wasn’t fortunate enough to have those things. I fantasized about attending charm school. Oh to master of the art of walking with a book on my head, learn how to set a proper table or speak in a way that did not reveal what neighborhood I came from. I wanted a better life.
Unfortunately, those dreams I held so dear had a price tag I could not afford. University and Etiquette school were reserved for those born into better. When you see life from a poverty perspective, you settle for less than God’s best. And from this place, we are tempted to merchandise our soul. Those desperate and struggling with self acceptance create the perfect filter that impairs God’s vision for life.
Desire is not a bad thing! I believe this seed of greatness is God’s design to motivate our lives and make the world a better place. We were created with an instinct to survive, a thinking mind, and (if we’re paying attention) the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to help nurture and grow our interests and giftings. These three things are essential to spiritual growth, healing and discovering our purpose.
This is why our issues never stay buried. I believe God allows them to hunt us down, compelling a deeper dive into who we were created to be, despite what we’ve been told, how we feel or what our circumstance is. It’s an open secret but something few tap into–WE hold the power to choose higher.
In my years of entrenchment and observation, I learned the poverty spirit is not just a socio-economic problem. It’s a spiritual issue, rooted in insecurity and low self-worth. How unfortunate when this toxic mindset permeates one’s world view for it always impacts far more than finances. Embracing this ideology results in people settling in every area of life; the most important being the depth of our relationships (for self-preservation always prevents investment into others). Sadly, many continue living this way because it feels safe. This is homeostasis.
To break out of this cycle, we must see people (including ourselves) worthy of generosity. This requires a bit of vulnerability–engaging life with an open (but discerning) heart. Sometimes the Poverty Spirit isn’t easily detected; it can manifest as a debilitating mindset or masquerade as flashy debt or even masochistic altruism. The bottom line is this: The Poverty Spirit has a sneaky way of distorting vision. Don’t allow this mindset to kill your joy, generosity, and trust. Notice how differently it presents:
- A person who lives in squaller and is okay with it.
- Someone who refuses to spend money on themselves and donates most of it.
- Someone who buys useless items they don’t need or can’t use.
- Someone who builds a fortress of things ; they can’t let go or discern which items are good, bad or useful. (Think of the show, Hoarders)
- A person who is so entitled they survive by stealing from others.
- Someone who goes into debt buying extravagant things they cannot afford.
- A person who acts ‘poor’ to garner hand-outs or freebies.
- Someone who struggles to invest in themselves and lets themselves go, health-wise.
9. Someone who will NOT accept a blessing.
10. A person who ONLY invests in themselves.
How to overcome the Poverty Spirit:
1.Acknowledge it.
2.Renounce the lie that God won’t provide.
3.Replace the lie with God’s promise (His word) Find a scripture that speaks to you personally. “Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
4.Work in the opposite spirit of: Generosity.
If any of these descriptions resonate with you, here is a Generosity Challenge:
1.Be generous to yourself by allowing yourself to enjoy what you already have.
2.If you have trouble spending on yourself, ask God to help you pick something out that will remind you of how He sees you. Sometimes a physical token is a good, tangible reminder.
3.If you spend too much on yourself, give items away that YOU LOVE but don’t use. Do this for someone who could never afford to buy the item. This will help you to remain conscientious yet generous.
4.If you enjoy playing the victim and receiving handouts, you’re paying a heavy price. This mind set will keep you in a powerless state. Ask the Lord to help you search for those who are less fortunate than you and intentionally go out of your way to BE a blessing to them.
Prayer against Poverty Spirit:
“Lord,
Thank you for sustaining me all these years. I am here today because of your generous mercy and grace.
I want to live in a place of expansion, and I need your help to let go of this scarcity mindset.
I understand by holding onto false security, I’m not able to fully grasp my salvation.
Lord, I want all you have for me.
Today, I break off the bondage of poverty. I refuse to partner with such a vile spirit.
I break the curse of lack, greed, distrust of God, selfishness, and isolation.
By an act of my will, I choose generosity as this enables me to receive the fullness of my inheritance.
I was created to be blessed and to be a blessing. From this day forward, supply me the strength to live in a way that honors you and others. In Jesus’ name, I crown you king of my life. Amen.”
