Pastoral Ponderings| Pastoral Ponderings | [printer version] |
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The statistics are ominous. The stock market has lost half its value from its peak. Unemployment, foreclosure, recession, depression are words heard with greater and greater frequency. A well-known pastor is quoted as saying, “catastrophe is imminent.”
There is fear in the air and as Christians we are not immune. So how should we respond in times like these?  Remember where our hope is found Today there is much debate about how to revive our economy. The government needs to stimulate the economy with an influx of cash. The government needs to stimulate our economy by allowing free markets to work. But as Christians, our hope is not found in presidents, politicians or economists. In Deuteronomy 31:6 the Lord commands, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail or forsake you.” In just a few days, we are going to celebrate how God broke the bondage of our sin. Where is our hope found? In the words of Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Keep in mind God's perspective In Matthew 7, Jesus reminds us that our God will give what is good to those who ask. The key here is understanding what is good. We tend to define good by our jobs, bank accounts and stuff. God defines good by |
His glory. The terrifying truth is that God hasn't promised that we will maintain our current circumstances. But we can rest in the assurance that God will bring glory to His name and that is where our true joy is found. This is one of the great challenges of the Christian life and it is in the difficult times that such character is forged.
Be anxious for nothing It is during difficult times that we tend to image what could happen. Then we begin to worry that it will happen. Every circumstance is viewed as moving us that much closer to calamity. Read Matthew 6:25-34 hourly. We are not to be anxious. This is a command. When we are anxious, we are not walking by the Spirit, but gratifying the desires of the flesh. We want to say that such a command is ridiculous, but it comes from the lips of Christ Himself.  Thank God for the opportunities We are told to be anxious for nothing but with prayer and thanksgiving… Even in these difficult times there is much for which we can give thanks. Church attendance is up around the nation. Materialism is suffering from a lack of money and people are realizing again the importance of relationships. You hear Christians speak of the need for revival. Could it be that God is answering that prayer? Pray for the faith which glorifies God These are indeed times when people are looking for hope. These are indeed times when Christians can make a difference. But we are not going to make a difference if we are no different than the world around us. It is our peace which will stand set us apart. It is our hope which will set us apart. It is our assurance which will set us apart and be noticed by the world. But that peace, hope and assurance will only come through faith walked out in moment-by-moment obedience. Let our prayer be that of the father who cried out to Jesus, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” And may the world see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. |