The Big Drop

The picture at right is not a picture of the Continental Shelf, but is in fact the performance of the Dow Jones Average over the past 12 months.

Financial panic seems to be spreading across the globe. As I speak with friends and colleagues, true fear  can be heard in the voices, unclear as to what they should do and calling for  someone to be held accountable.  For those who are depending on their investments, 401k  plans and other accumulated wealth,  this has been a heavy bow. 

The scriptures teach about finances. 

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me."  But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

In Deuteronomy, we are reminded that it is the Lord who enables and blesses us with our abilities to make a living.   We read in 1 Timothy:

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment  1 Timothy 6:17

Timothy calls out the fact we should not put our hope in wealth which is uncertain, as evidenced in the continued fall of the DOW.  We have a greater hope than wealth, politicians, or knowledge.  Peter points to our faith in Christ as the best place for our perfect hope.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:17-19

Many friends, family members and colleagues  have lost their job, homes or both in this economic downturn.  Our hearts and prayers are with them as they struggle with this trial.