Are your emotions up and down like the stock market? Over the course of my life, I do not know if I have ever sensed as much fear and anxiety among people due to the current economic climate.
How should we respond? Does God offer any hope? Maybe you are stuck in fear. Perhaps you are mad at God at the moment. Let me offer some biblical wisdom.
First we must remember that God does not promise to keep Christians from all trials. He does promise to keep us as we go through our trials. Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Sometimes Christians tend to think that they should have a free pass from any trouble. It is simply not true. There are times we will have difficulties. Our promise is that He is with us in the midst of our difficulty – even financial troubles. Don’t forget who you belong to as a Christian. You are a child of God, and He will watch over you.
Second, we must learn to be content. The Apostle Paul wrote about this in the book of Philippians: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who give me strength” (Phil. 4:11 – 13).
For many of us, godly contentment might be the most valuable lesson we can learn. Perhaps we tend to put way too much stock in worldly comforts. True contentment never comes from how much you have, or how many toys you own. There are enough rich people that have been miserable through the years. What about you? Are you content? Will you be okay if you have to downsize? If not, then you may have a real spiritual problem. I remember being on a mission trip to India several years ago. All of our luggage was lost and I was there for 10 days with a Bible, toothbrush, some tic tacs, and the presence of God. I have never been so content in all of my life. It wasn’t because I had more. It was because I had been stripped of all my material comforts and discovered what was really important.
Third, it may be time for a budget. Do you know where you money is going? Are you really spending wisely? This is a very practical step to help you control your spending.
Lastly, don’t stop giving. Often times, a person’s giving level is the first thing to go when their income gets tighter. We let fear get a hold of us instead of faith, and we may hold back our tithes and our offerings. I think that is the worst mistake that a Christian can make. Some people think they cannot afford to tithe. If we truly believe God’s word and trust our Heavenly Father, the truth is that we cannot afford to not tithe. Giving is an act of our worship towards God. We honor him when we give for His sake. Our giving is also an act of our trust in Christ. As we truly give, we are inviting Jesus into our financial picture and declaring that He is the answer to all of our needs. Through our faithful giving, we are putting our faith into action. Giving says, God is my source. God is my Provider. Our giving to God releases God’s hand into this area of our lives. And many have discovered that you simply can’t out give God. God doesn’t want you walking in fear. Remember whose you are, and walk in faith. And that’s the Word.