Turmoil and Trust

“Armageddon” and “the World almost coming to the end” are recent statements I have heard by the media and economists to describe the U.S. current economic turmoil. These graphic descriptions show the major impact many think will occur if our government leaders do not approve the “bailout” or “rescue” (depending on how one sees it). These are biblical ideas, and it is always fascinating to me on how much our country has been affected by a certain segment of Christianity.

I am not writing to refute this, but ask the question: where do we as Christians or in truth anybody turn when faced with major concerns like the downturn in our economy? For many of us, we struggle with fear: how much will my pension or retirement fund lose? Will I be able to make it when I retire? Will I lose my home? My car? Will I be able to send my children to college? How will I afford gas or groceries for the month or this week? Will I be able to provide adequate clothing and health care for my children? These are real concerns that we face.

The unknown economic future causes much anxiety, much stress and much inner turmoil. So where do we turn for comfort, for peace, for joy, for rest and for resolve? Let me encourage you to turn to the One who has not left us, who is active with us, and who is in control of all our destinies—the Triune God!

Let me remind you of God’s care for us during difficult and certain times:

“To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, and only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

Even though our economy changes, God never changes; Even though our economy goes into decline, God never decays; and Even though the economy appears to be out of control, God is always in control. God is the Eternal King of the past, present and future. Even though we can’t see God, God sees us and knows our situation. In fact, we see His love, grace and mercy through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul shares a radical reality with us: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”

Maybe God is using this present economic situation to draw people to Jesus and to help them see that the financial markets will not bring true happiness and satisfaction. God is extremely patience with us and slow to judgment. He wants us to repent of trusting in other things, and begin today to trust the only Savior and King Jesus.

Maybe God is also using this period in history to convict and encourage Christians to examine our own lives in what we are trusting in for satisfaction. Hear these words from Jesus: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28-29).

Jesus understands us when we fear and are in panic mood. He invites us to experience true peace and rest in the midst of this turmoil. Even though things may look bleak, Jesus reminds us of His tender care and gentle spirit that will enable us to face our fears and panic and find real rest. During these tumultuous times, Jesus is really and truly the only One to turn to for contentment and peace with God.

I end with this beautiful truth about Jesus that I received from a friend the other day:

“If the exhibition of God's glory and the deepest joy of human souls are one thing, then evangelism means depicting the beauty of Christ and his saving work with a heartfelt urgency of love that labors to help people find their satisfaction in him” (John Piper, God's Passion for His Glory, p. 38).

Grace and Peace in Jesus,

Pastor Jeff