Hope in this Recession

Everyday we are hearing more news about how dire the economy is, about record unemployment, economic scandals, buy-outs, and stimulus packages. After a while it becomes more than we can take. It really begins to break our spirit. We are tempted to look into the future with fear about what it all means. Some important truths to consider when this happens.

First, nothing of what is happening now in the economy, comes as a shock to God. He didn't cause the current crises, my belief is that much of our current ills are self inflicted, but He can bring good out of any suffering.

Secondly, the fear that the media creates is not good for them or for us, knowing about every bank bail-out, and every time the stock market drops is not going to put one piece of food on my families table.

We can only control our thoughts and actions, and the best way to do that, is to feed your mind with what is True, Good, and Beautiful. Here is some thoughts from scripture that do just that:

1.) Psalm 1 versus 3- The law of the Lord is their Joy, they are like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in due season, its leaves never wither, whatever they do prospers.

2.) Matt 6 :versus 31- "Don't worry and say, what are we going to eat, or what are we going to drink, or what are we going to wear, your Heavenly Father knows you need all of them, but first be concerned about His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all of these things shall be provided for you,"

3.) Isaiah 43- "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not be drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God.

4.) Malachi 3 versus 10- (This is Big) "Bring the whole Tithe into the Storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me in this, says the Lord of hosts, Shall I not open for you the floodgates of heaven, to pour down blessings upon you without measure."

5.) Luke 6: versus 38- "Give and it shall be given to you, Good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, will be poured into your laps, for the measure you use will be measured for you."

The reason I mentioned giving right now, is because the last thing we should do as a culture is become self-absorbed. The more other focused we are, the quicker our culture will begin to thrive in every way. Plus, the 4th quote above is the only time in the bible, where God asks us to test him, when we give! Its a fun challenge, because we have a God that keeps his promise!