Finding perspective in turbulent times
Finding Perspective in Turbulent Times
ERIC RUST Contributing Writer
Seems like everywhere we turn these days all we hear is constant chatter about a “pending economic crisis”. We see it in our news feeds, as we scroll our socials, and hear it in conversations with friends and coworkers. Sometimes “pending” is replaced by “looming”, and other times “crisis” is replaced by “downturn”. But either way, it all sounds downright dark and unpleasant.
Just this morning I saw an article titled “World Bank Warns of Looming Global Recession”. The opening sentence warned that “The global economy will come perilously close to a recession this year.” It’s enough to make a typically calm person a bit on edge. We start asking ourselves questions like:
• Do I have enough money in my emergency fund?
• Will I be able to afford college? Buy a home?
• Should I delay that vacation or large purchase I was going to make?
• Is it possible I will lose my job?
• When the market crashes, will I have enough in savings to be able to retire?
I am seeing a fair amount of fear and anxiety out there. I‘m not an anxious guy, but I’ve found myself being drawn into the fray. Maybe you are too. Keeping in mind that I’m a pastor, not an economist, but here are a few top-of-mind thoughts that can give us perspective while facing rough waters:
- Turbulent times call for increased wisdom.
As much as we might want to follow the example of the ostrich and bury our head in the sand, we need to acknowledge that things have and continue to change financially—and not for the better. That does not mean we need to lose our minds—but we do need to think about how this new reality might impact our lives.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” I love that. Now is not the time for us to be driven by fear. Instead, we lean into the wisdom of God—his power, his love, and the mental discipline he offers us. You can tighten your belt financially motivated by fear, or you can tighten your financial belt motivated by wisdom. One will undermine your trust, the other will fuel it.
- Don’t dial back your generosity.
You might feel inclined to spend less—that’s fine. You might feel inclined to build up some reserves—that’s fine. But one thing we cannot afford to do is to shrink back from generosity. It can be tempting to clench our fists around what we have during turbulent times. Yet by keeping our hands open and willingly sharing when God provides opportunity, we grow our trust. Not only that, but by blessing others, we too are blessed. Proverbs 22:9 says, "The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” 2023 should be a year of increased generosity for all of us.
- Remember where your trust lies.
As a follower of Jesus, I don’t put my trust in a government, a political leader, a parent, a pastor, or an economy. Our trust is in God and God alone (see Psalm 121:1-2). It can be tempting to look for help everywhere but God at times like this. History has proven that people, possessions and political systems will always let us down. God can always be trusted.
As strange as this might sound, I am excited about the challenges that 2023 poses. What an opportunity for you and I to exercise our faith and model resilience for others! I’m praying for you — that no matter what comes, you will “keep your eyes fixed on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
Eric Rust is the pastor at Cedar Hills Church. The church can be found online at cedarhillschurch.com.