There’s a kind of overspending that has nothing to do with money and everything to do with the heart.

It’s the moment you’re standing in Target with a cart full of things you didn’t plan to buy… and you suddenly realize you’re not shopping because you need anything — you’re shopping because something inside you hurts.

You’re tired. You’re overwhelmed. You’re lonely. You’re stressed. You’re trying to soothe a place in your soul that feels empty.

And for a moment — just a moment — buying something feels like relief.

Until it doesn’t.

I’ve been there. Walking out of a store with bags in my hands and a heaviness in my chest. Whispering to myself, “Why did I do this again?” Feeling guilty, frustrated, and ashamed… but also not knowing how to stop.

And that’s when God gently revealed something I didn’t expect:

Overspending isn’t a money problem. It’s a heart problem. It’s a spiritual cry for comfort.

You’re not “bad with money.” You’re hurting. And you’re trying to fill a spiritual emptiness with physical things.

But God wants to fill that space with something deeper — something lasting.

Here’s how healing begins.

Why We Overspend (The Real, Honest Reasons)

Overspending is rarely about the item. It’s about the emotion behind it.

• You’re exhausted and want a moment of joy

• You’re lonely and want to feel something

• You’re stressed and want control

• You’re comparing your life to others and feel “behind”

• You’re overwhelmed and want escape

• You’re hurting and want comfort

• You’re anxious and want distraction

Overspending is often a silent cry for relief.

But God doesn’t shame you for it — He understands it. And He wants to heal the ache beneath the habit.

How to Stop Overspending Spiritually

1. Be honest about what you’re really trying to soothe.

Before you click “add to cart,” pause and ask: “What am I feeling right now?” Not what you want — what you feel. You may realize you’re not craving the item… you’re craving peace. Or rest. Or comfort. Or connection. Or reassurance.

Overspending loses its power when you name the emotion behind it.

2. Invite God into the moment you feel the urge.

You don’t need a long prayer. Just whisper: “Lord, fill this space in me.” You’d be amazed how quickly the urge softens when God steps into the moment you usually shop your way through.

3. Create a “holy pause” before buying.

Give yourself 24 hours before purchasing anything non‑essential. This isn’t punishment — it’s protection. Most emotional purchases fade when you give your heart time to breathe.

4. Replace the habit with something that actually fills you.

Overspending is a symptom of an empty soul. So instead of scrolling Amazon or wandering aisles, try:

• Taking a walk and breathing deeply

• Listening to worship music

• Journaling what you’re feeling

• Calling someone who loves you

• Reading a Psalm

• Sitting in silence and letting God settle your spirit

These things don’t just distract you — they heal you.

5. Let God heal the deeper wound.

Overspending is often tied to:

• Feeling unworthy

• Feeling unseen

• Feeling behind

• Feeling stressed

• Feeling unloved

• Feeling empty

Ask God to show you the root. Because when the root heals, the habit loses its grip.

6. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

If you paused once today — that’s progress. If you prayed before buying — that’s progress. If you put something back — that’s progress. Healing is not instant. It’s a journey of small victories that add up to freedom.

Companion Prayer: “Lord, Heal the Places I’ve Been Trying to Fill”

Father, I bring You the parts of me that feel empty, overwhelmed, or unseen. You know the emotions behind every purchase, every impulse, every moment I try to comfort myself.

Heal the places in me that I’ve been trying to fill with things. Fill me with Your peace instead of pressure. Fill me with Your presence instead of impulse. Fill me with Your love instead of loneliness.

Teach me to pause, breathe, and invite You into the moments I feel weak. Give me wisdom, strength, and self‑control. Heal my heart so my habits can follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Checklist: Signs You’re Healing From Emotional Overspending

• You pause before buying instead of reacting

• You recognize emotional triggers

• You pray before making decisions

• You feel less guilt after purchases

• You’re choosing healthier coping habits

• You’re becoming more self‑aware

• You feel more peace and less pressure

• You’re learning to comfort your soul, not your shopping cart