Rod’s message two weeks ago focused on “Finding peace in an economic crisis.” In fact, he tossed out the last message in his current sermon series to address this issue which is preoccupying the minds of many across the US and, indeed, the world. Listen to the full message.

The bottom line of his message was this: Eliminate your fear and worry and trust in God’s goodness.

Our fears, doubts, and worry all hold us back and accomplish nothing. The following are some Scripture passages and my notes from Rod’s message, with his main points in bold.

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”…So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…[Your] heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

From this passage and by observing nature, we see that of all creatures, only humans choose to fear and doubt God’s provision. Humans are born with only two innate fears: falling from heights and loud sounds. All other fears are learned…and can therefore be unlearned (or replaced).

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Now more than ever, I am challenged to be content with the incredible wealth God has blessed us with and not focus on the things of this world. “Love God and others more than money” and my priorities will remain in order. Part of this is the challenge to stop comparing, both with the wealth of others and, perhaps for some, with past circumstances which may have been more materially abundant.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30)

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:3-14,13)

Don’t do what comes most natural. Peter did what was natural – he looked down when he was walking on the water and (surprise!) his doubt set in and he began to sink. But he resisted this tendency and looked towards Jesus who helped him stand tall again.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Don’t be paralyzed by fear. “Fear creates what it fears” writes Paul Tournier, a Swiss physician and Christian counselor. Worry doesn’t solve problems. We can deal with our fears without being controlled by them. Lean into Jesus and He will hold you up! “The fear underneath all fears is that something bad will happen that we can’t handle.”

I have been tempted to feel fear over the past few months as I’ve watched the global economy spiral into a catastrophe. Though my job is not in immediate danger, my 401(k) has been decimated and my “what if” imagination has played out many scenarios about the physical safety of my family as people become more and more desperate. However, I resist these fears, knowing that my money, my “stuff,” my alarm system, etc., are all worldly things. These cannot save or protect me from the evils in the world or the worry that could act as a cancer from within. I therefore place daily my trust in the Lord, knowing that He will continue to protect and provide for me and my family, even if that provision comes in the midst of losing the material comforts I have come to enjoy.

Blessings, peace, hope, and joy to everyone who took the time to read this!

Tags: economy, scripture, sermon