We live in very confusing times. Political leaders are warning of a dire economic crisis. Elected representatives are stumped as to what to do. The Stock Market is up and down like a yo-yo. Credit is tight and sales of antacids are up. Gas prices are high and consumer confidence is low. Presidential candidates try to offer hope while the media seeks to instill fear. What’s a person to do in the midst of this craziness?As I have watched the news over the last week I have tried to navigate my way through all the reports and commentary. However, all of my efforts have just left me frustrated. Our political leaders do not seem to have any real definitive answers.
As I mull over the role our Christianity plays in daily life I move from frustration and fear to faith and peace. It seems to me that, as believers, there are at least five simple anchors that we can drop that will hold our lives steady when we find ourselves in tumultuous times or circumstances. Please allow me to share them with you.
Anchor # 1 - The Creator of the universe is not surprised by any of the present happenings in the Stock Market. This is true because God is omniscient, He knows everything. He knows the future completely even when it takes an unpredictable turn. The early church father Augustine wrote, “To confess that God exists, and at the same time to deny that He has foreknowledge of future things, is the most manifest folly.”
Anchor #2 - Our Heavenly Father is ultimately in control of the affairs of this world, even in the world financial situation. Speaking of Him in Daniel 2:21, the Scripture states, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise, And knowledge to those who have understanding.” God is always in control. He is Sovereign. As our Father we can be sure He has our best interests in mind. The One who holds the future holds us in the palm of His hand.
Anchor #3 - God should be praised no matter what happens around us, even in a fiscal crisis. The Biblical character Job is legendary for suffering. His example is one we should aspire to follow. Having lost everything he says, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.(Job 1:21)” We should seek to praise God not so much for what He gives us as for who he is.
Anchor #4 - The Lord Himself has us given timeless truths in His Word that are relevant even in challenging economic times. Biblical principles and promises are something we can take to the bank (figuratively speaking). The borrower will be a server to the lender (Proverbs. 22:7). We do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). If I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things (the meeting of my needs) will be added unto me (Matthew 6:33). In His Word I can hope unashamedly.
Anchor #5 - The Solid Rock of our salvation is the only safe place to put our trust when things on Wall Street affect us on Main Street. .The Psalmist, King David, tells us, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2) Later on he will say “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2) Thus, we can say, ”God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
These five anchors can be summed up in one simple phrase. “In God We Trust”. In times of financial crisis or economic uncertainty we do well to follow this command. It is more than a cliché. It is way of life and it is “right on the money”, literally.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
