Trusting our great God
How to cope during times of economic upheaval

By Chuck Bentley, CEO

The current recession is a great problem, but we serve a great God who has a plan to give us hope and a future even in times of economic suffering. We can learn what to do during such times by studying Jeremiah 29:1-14. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God comforted and encouraged the people of Israel after they had been taken into captivity and lost all their money and possessions. And through the Lord’s instructions to them, we can better understand practical ways to respond successfully to our own economic upheavals.

• Build a house and settle down (Jeremiah 29:5) - When we’re in pain, we naturally want to escape it or fight it. But, as God’s children, we must believe that He is ordering our lives and directing our steps. Even though it is contrary to your feelings, accept your circumstances and find a place where you can start over and be productive again.

• Plant a garden and eat what’s produced (Jeremiah 29:5) - God wants us to be dependent on Him, not on others or the government, as our ultimate source of provision. If we work hard at whatever He gives us to do, He will bless us with a sustainable source of income that we can use to take care of ourselves and help others, especially the poor, in our community.

• Marry and have children (Jeremiah 29:6) - God doesn’t want economic setbacks to stop our families from growing. His desire is for His people to be fruitful and multiply, even if they have little materially. We shouldn’t think of children as financial burdens or let a lack of money be the primary factor in our decisions concerning them. Children are a blessing from the Lord.

• Seek peace and prosperity where you are (Jeremiah 29:7) - God wants to prosper His people, so they can bless others and be used to bring them to Him. But you can’t prosper apart from the economic growth of your community. So, support local businesses. By serving others and helping them prosper, you will prosper. And prosperity achieved honestly brings peace.

• Don’t be deceived by false prophets (Jeremiah 29:8-9) - When there’s a crisis, people are vulnerable. They want to know what’s going to happen. And, there are those who will use God’s name to deceive them. Be careful of anyone who offers a solution that points people to man instead of God. The Lord wants us to turn to Him in times of trouble.

• Call upon the Lord (Jeremiah 29:12-14) - Pray and seek the Lord. Tell Him you want to follow His plan. Commit to the Lord that, no matter what you face, you will put your trust in Him and submit to Him. Ask the Lord to give you hope and lead you into the future.
No matter what economic suffering we may face, God will be with us, and He can deliver us from any form of captivity. If we will turn to Him, trust Him, and do our part, He will be faithful to do His part. God will provide.

“ ‘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 NIV).

“Used with permission from Money Matters, a monthly economic magazine published by Crown Financial Ministries, Gainesville, Georgia.”