” In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise – in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? ” Psalm 56:10-11
I understand the anxiety over the economy. My husband is in a trade that feels the crunch first each time the economy dips. Seven times, he has been laid off over the years because the company he worked for went under. It has happened to me twice. One time, we were both unemployed for over six months. But through it all, and I know through these times as well, God prevails.
We continued to obediently tithe whatever money we had . . . and we trusted. His math is not my math. Somehow that checkbook kept showing just enough money to pay rent, buy meager groceries and keep the lights on. Our clothes didn’t even wear out, just like the Hebrews when they wandered in their desert. He provided for them. When our finances dried up, He did the same for us. And we were greatful beyond measure for the manna He provided.
I hear sermons that if we want to turn this nation around, we have to claim it again for God. I agree, but it starts with each of us, trusting in Him above all else. Every time, in each of those tough times, I looked at a coin or dollar bill, I said, “Yes, I do trust in You God.” He is the Provider of all, because all is His. I thanked Him for what I had inxtead of pouting over what I had to give up or sell. Each time we made it through, I am convinced, by His grace alone.
Whether we are in good times or bad times, we still need to put our trust in Him to guide us. to protect us and to provide for our needs. Jesus cared enough for the crowds to multiply a boy’s lunch to feed them all. He still cares for our physical needs today. Yes, it can get tough as nails in the world. No, we do not know the future and that can be scary. But what can mortal man do ? No mattter what leaders, employers or even friends do or don’t do, you and I can still trust in God. We can praise Him in all circumstances and draw near to Him daily. Praise God for whom all blessings flow and trust that they will.
Heavenly Lord, our times are in Your loving hands. On the mount, you gave the sermon that told us not to be anxious about what we eat, drink or wear; but to seek You first. Let the saying stamped on our money In God We Trust be the reminder that it is You we must trust not only with our finances, but with everything in our lives. That no matter what, You will be there through it with us, providing what we need and teaching us what we do not. I pray this and praise You for your loving Grace, Amen.
“Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not reap or sow or store away, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:26-27
