Ten Truths for Tough Times
The mercy and love of God doesn't fluctuate with interest rates and isn't controlled by the economy.
Just when we thought we caught a break this week as the stock market staged one of its biggest rallies of all time, investors are retreating and harder times are ahead. How can a Christian respond to collapsing investments, tighter borrowing, and a shaky job market? Here is a handy reference guide of ten Bible truths for these tough economic times.
10. God is always gracious when orchestrating history.
Even when pagan King Nebuchadnezzar obliterated the political stability of Judah, God was working behind the scenes. “The Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men” (Daniel 5:21).
9. The worst of times can be the best of times.
Job, described as “the greatest” of all the wealthy people during his day, lost it all. But he confessed that there remained for him “things too wonderful for me to know” (v. 3) and so he humbled himself to God and trusted that God knew what he was doing. In the end, “the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before” (v. 10). There is a silver lining on the other side of the clouds of recession – and only God can see it. We will trust him that it’s there. We will trust him to reveal it as needed.
8. The best of times can be the worst of times.
King Solomon enjoyed the highest prosperity of any time in Israel yet later confessed it was meaningless. Solomon discovered that a meaning and purpose beyond the achievements of this world was most important. “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6).
7. America is not poor.
We forget that developing and third world countries around the globe have much less in their prosperity than we do in our recession. Give thanks to God for making you so rich. “When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
6. Your greatest treasure cannot depreciate.
The mercy and love of God for people through Jesus Christ doesn’t fluctuate with interest rates and isn’t controlled by the economy. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18,19). Invest in Jesus for short-term and long-term gain.
5. Generosity gives more from less.
Christians pray for daily bread. In truth, we are always rich when in faith we look to God to provide. “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:10,11).
4. Greed gives less from more.
We don’t wait for God or government or profit or paycheck first to stuff our financial portfolio before we assist others and contribute to church or charity. Instead we give from faith. “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall (Proverbs 11:24,25,28).
3. Bailing out bad debts, like forgiveness, doesn’t cost nothing.
Forgiveness doesn’t cost nothing. Where there is sin, it must be paid for under the watchful justice of a holy God. But here’s an important reminder about forgiving others. It is not our responsibility or right to demand that someone pay for his or her sins against us. Jesus already paid for all sins on the cross. Jesus already bailed out all sinners – including you. Forgive others unconditionally and trust that Jesus’ work will change them for the better. “Be kind and compassionate … forgiving … just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
2. Christians have more than one reason to vote.
The day of a single presidential candidate who represents and promotes 1) every single Biblical principle for moral behavior, and 2) the greatest good for the most people in our country does not yet appear to have arrived. Consider multiple issues (not just abortion) when choosing your candidate. How to fix the economy is a good place to start. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15,16).
1. Put your faith in the true God, not your faith or a false god.
It’s not your faith or your religion that will rescue you from economic collapse. It’s not even your faith or your religion that forgives you or saves you or answers your prayers. No, the object of your faith does all this and more. Focus on the object of your faith – a perfectly loving, perfectly wise, perfectly powerful divine being – whom we know as the triune God. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
PRAYER: Look with mercy on our world, O God, and on our country, and on us. Bless our financial institutions and our government with good judgment and wise planning. Create in us more contentment, less greed, more generosity, and less fear. Through troubling times visit us with your grace, and use us as your witnesses. Amen.