Breaking the Poverty Mindset

A poverty lifestyle is a mindset that partners with limitation, a lack of abundance, and scarcity. When we embrace the negative influence of poverty, it is not so much about economic standing or social awareness; it is a spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical heart posture that hinders our growth, spiritual contentment, and decision to live a generous life. Furthermore, a poverty lifestyle for the Christian is often accompanied by feelings of “not being enough” or “never having enough.” Through many ministry settings, I have witnessed the effects of a poverty lifestyle at work in many Christians. Influences include:  

• A deep fear of lack and overarching anxiety about running out of resources. 

• Ingratitude or jealousy 

• The inability to give generously or steward financial means well. 

• Partnering with a self-worth that is tied to material possessions. 

• Limiting one’s belief and faith in God-given opportunities for growth, development, or success. 

  
  

Those who are bound by the negative influence of a poverty lifestyle agree with cycles of anxiety and discontent, making it difficult to feel secure, fulfilled, or satisfied even when their material needs are met. As this influence manifests, it will drive us to display jealousy, envy, and a struggle to celebrate other people's successes. As a result, we will live from the lens that God’s recourses or blessings are limited, and someone else’s gain is a result of our personal loss.  

Freedom and emotional healing from a poverty lifestyle come when we shift our mindset from a partnership with scarcity to one rooted in the truth of God’s abundance, gratitude, and faith in His supernatural provision for our lives. By recognizing that our worth and value are not defined by material possessions but by our identity in Christ, we will embrace a perspective that celebrates personal blessings and the blessings of others. This celebration will enforce a holy cycle of joy and peace by fostering a lifestyle of trust in God’s providence and provision.  

Questions to Ask:  

1. How do you respond when you have successful moments? 

   1. Have you ever felt unworthy to be blessed? 

2. Do you have an underlying fear of abundance or wise stewardship? 

3. Access your life utilizing the following statement: “I am at a disadvantage because of ___. “ 

4. What is your internal monologue towards financial topics when they arise? 

   1. Judging successful people as money-grubbing or thieves? 

   2. Do you feel more superior or spiritually mature because you have less? 

5. What do you think needs to happen for you to receive freedom from this mindset?  

   1. How has a poverty lifestyle affected those around you? 

6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by a poverty lifestyle?  

   
   

Connected Influences: Deception, debt, dishonesty, greed, hoarding, job losses, financial failure, love of money, neglect, ambition, stealing, stinginess.  

Scriptural Truth: 

“You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! 7 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!” (Haggai 1:6-7) 

“Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.” (Proverbs 28:6) 

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” (Malachi 3:10) 

“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) 

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10) 

How to Pray for Breakthrough from a Poverty Lifestyle

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart