These are tough times.

23Jan
by Jon Swanson

[post by Paul Merrill who writes and designs in Colorado.]

Many are calling this the new depression. But then, the press tends to make things look darker than they are.

Jesus said, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:30, NLT) I’m not saying that my neighbors have “so little faith”. I have so little faith. Even though I have a job, I often worry about what tomorrow will bring. Jesus again: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (6:27) Medical science has shown that worries take moments – and years – away from our lives, both literally and figuratively.

As I grew up, people had jobs they could depend on for years at a time. Mortgages all had fixed rates. Investments grew. Marriages lasted longer.

These times? I think God is reminding the world that all – ALL – the things we trust in are not worthy of trust.

You might remember the story of the Isrealites wandering in the wilderness. They were hungry, so God gave them manna – little bits of sweet bread that appeared each morning. If they collected more than they needed, it rotted. God provided just the right amount for them each day.

When we worry about tomorrow, we need to remember that God provides what we need for today. When we worry about tomorrow, we are putting ourselves in the place of control, rather than rightly giving that situation over to God.

Today, how can you give things back to God? Maybe you can start by asking God to worry about tomorrow and to take away your worry. You might be surprised how God will work in your heart and mind!

7 thoughts on “These are tough times.”

  2. paul merrill's avatar

    paul merrill

    Lone Beader: That is from a different era – many of our founding fathers and mothers did trust in God, though that seems to be a thing of the past. I think the powers-that-be are unwilling to remove it still, as there are enough people that would be offended that it would cause more problems than it would solve.

    But for me, I *do* trust in God. That’s the only way I can live.

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  3. Sven Van Looke's avatar

    Sven Van Looke

    Hi Paul,
    I think that is one of the most deeply rooted feelings in Amy; that God will provide what you need; not more nor less… And I think your parents must have embedded that sense right into the core of her soul….

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  4. Philip's avatar

    Philip

    I had this same conversation with my brother the other day. We wondered if we should have any savings or should be really try to live by God’s hand and trust that he will ‘give us this day our daily bread.’

    I’m still not sure (read scared) but I am mulling it over.

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  5. paul merrill's avatar

    paul merrill

    I’d say savings are a good idea* – but I’m too busy to look up Scriptures to back that up.

    There are a lot of good books written on this. Perhaps another commenter can provide a name or two? (Thanks.)

    * But I DO think that God wants us to live on the edge a LOT more than we do.

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  6. Meg's avatar

    Meg

    I worry. I worry about some of the most foolish things. And I worry about reasonable things, too. It can keep me from sleep- and from setting goals and from being thoughtful.

    Which worries me. And it is in those moments of deepest worry that I can not find the quiet. Can not be quiet or be in the quiet.

    Which is what I think that I need in order to ask for help.

    I’ve known this about myself for a long while. And so while I say the words, am I praying the words? Is there a difference?

    What? I can’t hear well over the din.

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