Responding to Economic Uncertainty—Looking Up When Things are Going Down

These past weeks include some of the most striking news in the economic history of this country and even the world. Who would have expected that the markets would be in turmoil and that banks would be struggling the way they are? Government bailouts and corporate mergers are the talk of the day. Analysis after analysis feeds our psyche through each day. These times have affected everyone to some degree.

As a believer, we know we are stewards of God’s things so why worry? In Him is the assurance we need. Happiness is not based on what we have and do but rather on who we are in Christ. We keep telling ourselves these things during tough times, however the uneasiness creeps in. What are some practical things to do now to help us respond to the economic uncertainty we see?

Resist the urge to compartmentalize. Compartmentalization leads to reliance on self rather than reliance on our Lord. If you take all of the areas of life, i.e. family, finances, jobs, hobbies, church, friends, there is a tendency to keep some of these areas separate from the others. It is like we are not an integrated whole. When we place all these things with Christ at the center, then we move away from compartmentalization and see our lives as integrated wholes in Christ. Finances probably fall into the compartmentalization problem more than others just by its nature. Resist the tendency and lean on the Everlasting Arms.

Focus on the attributes of God. I have been so encouraged by reading through passages of Scripture referring to the attributes of God. Our God is faithful, He is love, He is truth, He is good, He is wise, He is omnipotent, He is omniscient, and He is patient. Because of who He is, we have stability, we have certainty, we have hope, and we have assurance. I would encourage anyone to take time to go through key passages in the Bible and rest in knowing that we serve a God who truly cares for us as we face the issues of the day. As Psalm 121:1-2 expresses, “. . . where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Give yourself first. This may sound simple. I recommend keeping it simple. Reach out to others during this time and give of yourself. Fellowship and sharing are good for the soul. We need more of this during times like these. Also, give yourself first to the Lord before you stress over stewardship issues. Just like the Macedonians that Paul commended in 2 Corinthians 8:5, they gave themselves first to the Lord and this undergirded their generosity in all matters. Uncertainty fades away when we know others are experiencing similar things.

Remind yourself where your devotion is. I always say, “when you love, you give.” This is an underlying stewardship principle. Don’t stop giving in troubled times. Find ways to give. Giving expresses devotion, trust, reliance, honor, dependence, and gratitude to the Lord. This is not the time to argue about topics like tithing. Merely give and show your devotion to He who is greater than all these things.

This list could go on and I would encourage you to personalize your list of ways to combat the uncertainty of today’s economy. Make the list, and then put it into practice!