Cure for Money Problems?

As I drove by this sign, I did a double take!

Think about it for a minute. Doesn’t this message epitomize what got us into the economic trouble in the first place?!

Taking out a loan to pay off one’s debt still leaves one in debt, doesn’t it? It just shifts it around and adds on another interest payment to boot. Isn’t that just what our country’s leaders are doing with the bailouts and other economic plans in motion?

It is during such times in our lives that we truly need to be reminded to examine ourselves and take responsibility for areas that need cleaning up. I know fear and panic can set in during times like these. But if you’re operating from a place of fiscal responsibility, you have been keeping an eye on others who may be managing your financial affairs, making them accountable to you. You are armed with basic knowledge about the type of investments you’re in.

You realize how fear and greed cause market cycles where investors buy high and sell low – totally the opposite of wise investments. But you’re seasoned enough to use a strategic entry and exit plan to circumvent the psychological games that get many into deep waters. You know that what goes up must come down and vice versa. You have diversified assets and income streams so that an unforeseen disaster in one area does not bring your whole house of cards falling down.

Should you find yourself under duress or feel things falling apart in this economy, it may be time to put your focus on God’s plans through these difficult times. Yes, you need to address your issues and attitudes and education about money. You may need to take responsibility for some unwise decisions. Don’t bury your head in the sand, but take this opportunity to gain wisdom and learn how to turn this into opportunity for the future.

Through it all you can trust God to bring you through it. The ride may be bumpy. Things could get worse. But what is really important in life? What if you did lose it all? What would you have left of value? Sometimes doing a worst case scenario makes you truly grateful for what you really have.

Sometimes God needs to shake us up so we draw closer to him. He longs to show us himself in all his power and glory. His love for us, his children, never fails. After all, when we leave the temporary life of this world, we will be with Him and will bring none of the material goods of this world with us. All we will have will be the eternal treasures we’ve sent on before us that we’re storing up in heaven.

Where is your treasure today?

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. - Isaiah 33:6

Think on these things from the Word of the Lord. Then take whatever action God is telling you today. Be sure to praise him for his love and mercy and grace through it all! He knows the end of the story…