In Tough Financial Times

            “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Mt 6:25-27, 31-33)

Even though we know that God will provide, it is sometimes difficult to not worry during a recession. We may be anxious about job loss, shrinking investments, rising debt, or simply making ends meet.

In these times, let us be reminded of the Lord’s promises:

1. God will not give us any temptations beyond what we can bear.

Sometimes God allows stressful events to happen to good people to strengthen their faith (think Job, Joseph, and Daniel). But during these trials, God “will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).

2. God will never let the righteous go hungry.

The Lord is faithful. He watches over those who fear Him (Ps. 33:18) and will never let them go hungry. As King David observed, “I have been young, and now am old; [y]et I have not seen the righteous forsaken, [n]or his descendants begging bread.” (Ps 37:25)

3. When we tithe, God will bless us in ways we cannot imagine.  

The Lord desires our obedience and blesses us for it. When we continue to offer tithe in our difficulty, He will “open for you the windows of heaven [a]nd pour out on you such blessing that [t]here will not be room enough to receive it” (Mal 3:10). Moreover, the Lord’s blessing will never be a burden. As Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.”

            Questions for Reflection:

            Are we anxious about our financial situation?

            Have we doubted God’s providence in times of need? 

            Are we tempted to cut back on tithing due to financial pressure?