"The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil." (Proverbs 10:27-30)
Lately, the newspapers and news programs have been filled with dire reports on the world market, and it seems that we are entering a time of recession, perhaps even depression. It is hard to know how long it will last, and to what extent it will cause us difficulties. I certainly have been worried, having received some scary news lately, which is not directly connected to the world situation, but sure helps me sympathize with those who are facing rough times. What can I do? I can only pray. I cannot do anything about the world markets. An economist or politician cannot do anything about it, either.
What I can do is continue to fear the Lord. The Proverbs promise me that this will add length to my life. It warns that the days of the wicked are cut short. I want to follow what the Lord asks of me, so that I need not worry about my days being cut short. The Proverb goes on to say that the plans of the wicked come to nothing! The wicked seem to be running the world, exploiting people with their greed and malice, but do not worry! God says the wicked will profit nothing from it--their plans will come to nothing. The prospect of the righteous is joy! A prospect is a fine view. Our view along the road of life is going to be joyful, even when stocks are down and banks are disappearing. Moreover, even though it might seem like we are at risk, God says that he has a sanctuary for us: "The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous".
The Proverbs are filled with good sayings for times like this (I have been reading chapters 10 and 11 this evening), sayings that remind us how strong we really are, because we do not rely on our own strength, but on the strength of the Lord. It is my prayer that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ will do well in these times, and suffer no severe want. It is my prayer that for the sake of the Gospel God will cut short these times of need. At the same time I pray that this downward turn in our economies will force all of us to become wiser, to be more thankful, and to turn our hearts fully to God, who waits eagerly for us to do so, so that he may shower us with his richest blessings, riches far greater in amount than the national debt or all the money in the World Bank. Who you vote for may not save us from hard times, but Who you pray to will.
To believers and unbelievers alike, I wish you well, and will be praying for you. Stay strong and hang in there! God loves you.
