The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done… Ecclesiastes 1:9

The scripture above refers to a prophetic truth: whatever experiences impacted our lives in the past will continue to impact us in our present and future!

This is important when thinking about your finances -- because the root to financial freedom in your life is not in your education level, in whether or not you have a good banker, or in how big your paycheck is…the root is in your head! It’s in your memories…in the way you learned to think and perceive about money. It’s not in money itself, but in your perception of money that was formed in the past…and how the affects your perspective on money today.

So your first step in changing your financial situation is to uncover the root of your financial thinking… because without that awareness, your situation will not change!

Try to go back to your earliest childhood memories and experiences of abundance and lack in the financial area. This is the root of how you first began to perceive money. How were you taught to feel about it? How was it discussed by those around you? When you say or read the word “money” now, what comes to mind?

What emotions do you feel? Fear -- or safety? Resentment -- or peacefulness? Anger -- or numbness? Covetousness -- or cheerfulness in giving? Pride -- or hope?

Try to identify the moment when you first formed your perception of money. As I’ve often said, you can’t conquer what you don’t confront…and you can’t confront what you don’t identify!

I have a great illustration of what I’m referring to. A friend told me about an experience he had at around the age of 12, when his pastor, whom he respected very much, took him and some other boys to eat at a restaurant. They all ordered shakes and burgers, and afterward, each of the boys put five dollars toward the bill. But my friend said he hadn’t known he would need money, so he didn’t have any, and was unable to contribute. Unfortunately, some of the other boys in the group made fun of him for not paying his share -- and he ended up embarrassed and humiliated, during what should have been a joyous occasion.

Now let’s fast forward: Today, friend has become what is called a “compulsive spender.” He is in some serious financial debt because of this compulsive spending -- yet, he still picks up the tab at every meal -- because he needs to prove he can! That terrible experience with money he suffered as a child has stayed with him into his adulthood…and like shockwaves from an earthquake, he still feels the tremors in his life. He has become a prisoner to the memory of that experience… and because he’s been unable to truly grasp and begin to arm himself against the impact of it on his life, God’s promise to him about his finances is in bondage to that memory!

One of the first things you have to do if you want to change your financial situation, is to sit down and identify how you really perceive, and feel about, money; then you need to identify the root of those perceptions and feelings. If something in your past is keeping you from receiving God’s promises of prosperity in your present, it’s time to confront those issues…because God’s word assures us that as long as we are in right standing with Him, and are faithful to do our part in following His lead, He will release to us all the abundant prosperity He has for us!

So get a pen and notebook, and begin to excavate and record your deepest and most honest feelings about money. You might be very surprised at what you find!