As markets continue to go up and down like a yo-yo, Congress is beginning to find middle-ground with a two trillion dollar financial relief package to assist individuals, families, and businesses during this current crisis. When asked where the money for this will come from, the answer is complex but necessary. We’re banking on other nations (that are also coping with financial problems) to buy bonds from our Federal Government. Secondly, our Federal Government will be printing money like wallpaper to pay for the national relief package.
There’s no simple solution to any of this. And yet… this morning on National Public Radio, they interviewed the author of a new book entitled: “In the FED We Trust.”
Who knows? Perhaps in the future we will see the word “Fed” replace the word “God” on money in our wallets.
Much has changed since the 9/11 crisis. Sadly, we no longer hear our politicians invoke the name “God,” or call for prayer to ANY “god.” We hear the word “hell,” but the word “Heaven,” isn’t even whispered. Yes, much has changed.
Thankfully, God our patient and merciful Heavenly Father has not… and never will change.
We certainly need to practice “social distancing.” In days ahead, “shelter-in-place” may be necessary to protect against further spread of COVID-19. But we needn’t surrender to the growing pandemic of panic, which is driving many people to panic purchasing and hoarding of basic items we take for granted.
How can we guard our hearts and minds from the growing anxiety? Our GOD will guard our hearts and minds with His peace, “which surpasses all understanding,” as we continue to wash away the dust and grime of ofttimes negative news with the GOOD NEWS revealed in Jesus Christ… and recorded for us in the Bible.
Meditate on this:
“My enemies will turn back in the day when I call [upon the Lord]. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose Word I praise, in the Lord, whose Word I praise, IN GOD I TRUST; I shall not be afraid.” Psalm 56:9-11a
We’ve all seen cattle chewing their cud. Why are they doing that? Because that’s how God designed them. They chew and chew so they can receive all the nutrients from the food. The Bible is the primary means of grace… the primary source of spiritual food for us.
So, join with me in chewing the cud… meditating on God’s sacred promises delivered right to our door in the Bible!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by Your invitation, we cast all our cares, anxieties, and concerns upon You. You promise never to leave or forsake us. You promise to supply all we need according to Your boundless riches and mercies. Continue to guide our local, state, and national leaders in these critical days. Continue to protect and supply medical workers, EMTs, police, fire and rescue workers, National Guard and Military, institutional chaplains, and all who are faithfully laboring along the front line in this crisis hour. Continue to guard our hearts and minds with Your peace, which wonderfully surpasses and transcends our ability to understand. May Your good and gracious will be done in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends; through Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray…
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
(PS… If this was helpful to YOU… phone a family member, friend, or neighbor and READ it to them!)
