Staying Encouraged When Paying Off Debt

Read Time / 3 Minutes

Theme / Financial Planning

“Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!” — Psalm 25:6–7 (ESV)

Paying off debt is rarely just a math problem. Often, it’s a battle of the mind.

For many, the most difficult part of the process isn’t the sacrifice it takes to pay down debt. Budgeting, cutting out unnecessary expenses, and diligence are easy for plenty of people. For many that I’ve talked to it’s the continuous discouragement they have knowing they put themselves in this position. Past decisions have a way of resurfacing when progress feels slow. Regret can quietly turn into discouragement, and discouragement can tempt us to quit altogether.

Psalm 25 offers an important reminder: God does not define us by our past mistakes. He relates to us through His mercy and steadfast love.

It’s easy to let debt shape how you see yourself. You may begin to think of yourself as “behind,” “irresponsible,” or “bad with money.” But Scripture never assigns identity based on failure. Instead, it points us toward repentance, obedience, and growth.

Your debt reflects where you were, not where you are.

If you’re living on a budget, sacrificing comforts, and intentionally paying down balances, you are practicing faithful stewardship today. That matters far more than the decisions that led you here.

I love how David’s prayer is honest: “Remember not the sins of my youth.” Yes, it’s a prayer to the Lord, but it’s almost as if he’s reminding himself of that as well. A command to his mind. He understands that dwelling on past failure does not produce righteousness, it produces paralysis. If God chooses to deal with you according to His steadfast love, you should do the same. Shame has no productive role in the debt payoff process. Encouragement, however, is essential. Consistent encouragement that you’re making the correct strides to address the issue at hand.

Debt payoff is slow by design. It cultivates patience, humility, and discipline. Virtues that rarely develop quickly. Each payment is an act of obedience. Each month you stay consistent is progress. Each financial “no” strengthens long-term freedom. It takes time, and that’s a good thing. God is more concerned with who you are becoming than how fast the numbers change. The numbers changing is a fleshly outcome – our heart posture changing is a spiritual one.

Paying off debt is not about punishing past mistakes. It’s about preparing for a future with greater margin, peace, and generosity. Stay encouraged. Stay consistent. And remember that your past decisions do not get to control your present mindset when you are walking faithfully today.

Nathan Carroll

Registered Assistant

208-918-8655

nathan.carroll@christianwm.com