In times like these families need to stick together like never before.   Bad news abounds, especially about the economy.  Some economists are predicting the worst recession in our nation’s history. If that is all that you focus on, you could get pretty depressed!  But for families who have a strong foundation in the Word of God, they should be able to persevere and win, as they keep God first in their lives.

Christian families should be secure in the knowledge that no matter what happens in the economy, God has got their back.  This is the perfect time for families to come together and strengthen the bonds that hold them together.

Our Heavenly Father is not surprised about the circumstances that families are experiencing now: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” (II Tim. 3:1)    The Lord knew that trying times would befall His children, but He has already made provision for them in His Word.  All we have to do if find out what it is and apply it to our daily lives.

Strategies for Overcoming Worry

•          Meditate on God’s Word. During these turbulent times, you will have to fight to keep your mind focused on God’s Word.  Remind yourself about what the Word says about you and your family:

no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isa. 54:17); the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psa. 37:23); we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).

•          Speak the Word – If you are not doing so already, begin the habit of meditating on (thinking about) and confessing (speaking) the Word over you and your family on a daily basis.  I can tell you from experience that if God’s hand is upon your life, no weapon formed against you, whether it is the economy or anything else, will prosper.

•          Keep your heart right. If your heart is right, the Lord will be with you.   If you are doing all that you can to live right before God, you can trust that He is looking out for you and your family.    But you will have to work hard to keep your heart right with God.

•          Minimize the amount of ‘news’ (usually it’s bad news) that you watch.  I understand the need to keep abreast of what is going on in the world, but you do not have to watch the news every time it comes on.  Balance is the key.  Remember, just because you watch the news, doesn’t mean you have to meditate on it.

•          Seek God – When you start feeling your energy getting low, get back into the Word of God.  God does not want you to be worried (see Matt. 6:31 and Phil. 4:6,7) and He already knows what you need (Matt. 6:32).   He is simply waiting to see if you will seek Him first for what you need (Matt. 6:33).

I know that families are busier than ever (I should know, I have seven children and two are still in the home!), but putting the above strategies into effect must become a priority.  As families stick together and pray together, they will find that the tensions of life do not affect them in the same way.

The stress does not disappear, but their response to it changes.  Why?  Because of the Word that they are meditating on, and speaking over their lives and families.

Christian families can have good success in a bad economy, but we must remember to keep the Word at the center of our lives.  Re-examine your life and re-align your priorities to line up with the Word of God.

With the help of God, Christian families can stay on top.  God will keep you and your family on solid ground, just as long as you keep Him in proper perspective:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6 NKJV)

[For further study, meditation and confession, see these scripture references: Romans 8:37; Isaiah 55:11; Joshua 1:8; Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 3 :9-10; Luke 6:38.]

By: Pastor Brenda Timberlake

www.christianfaithcenternc.com