I am a news junkie. Since 2008, practically all news sources (internet, television, newspapers, magazines) have concentrated on the economic crisis. Words like fear, nail biting, stress, perilous, risk-adverse, nervous and panic are commonly part of those news reports. It is hard not to give in to fear.
The Great Recession has been compared to the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt has often been quoted as saying, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” His wife Eleanor said, “He who loses money loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all.”
FDR presided from a wheelchair (as a result of polio). The nation listened to him with respect. Overcoming great obstacles himself, he said,” Once you’ve spent two years trying to wiggle one toe, everything is in proportion.”
When through no fault of your own, your accumulated nest egg disappears, there is a natural tendency to be afraid that you will no longer be able to provide for your needs or the needs of your family – diminished or depleted savings will result in a bleak future – a lower standard of living will mean unhappiness or education and experience will no longer do you any good.
Loss of resources you have worked hard to acquire is a major blow. However, despair is not inevitable. If a lifestyle change is necessary, it need not be devastating. Solutions begin with a positive attitude and a faith that God is with you and has a plan for your life – a plan for your good and His glory.
When I became a Christian at age 13, my father gave me a Bible inscribed with his favorite verse. That verse, along with others, has helped me make the choice to fight fear and trust God no matter what the circumstances.
Trust is the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
One Focus Ministries 