The press is full of articles that outline how consumers in the United States are feeling pinched from many different directions.  Here is a brief list of the headlines found in the past month or so from large publications that show the extent of the economic situation:

• Given a Shovel, Americans Dig Deeper Into Debt (NYtimes.com)
• For Many, Real Life Begins with Big Debts (dispatch.com)
• U.S. Consumers Trade Down as Economic Angst Grows (wsj.com)
• Foreclosures Rose 53% in June, Bank Seizures Tripled (Bloomberg.com)
• Overdue Home-Equity Credit Lines Rise Most Since 1987 (Bloomberg.com)
• Oil Slips from Intraday Record High to Settle at $140 (CNBC.com)
• Survey : Even Wealthy Feeling Economic Pinch (CNBC.com)
• Housing Lenders Fear Bigger Wave of Loan Defaults (CNBC.com)
  

Fortunately for many folks, the price of oil has hit the skids recently to close around $120/barrel, which has led to a decline in the price of gasoline.  This has given some temporary relief to those who drive long distances.

Regardless of the economic conditions of the day, we should do our best to live within our means, pay off our debt, build our emergency funds, save for the future. 

God is in control, as he always has been.  The temporary economic situation, whether technically a recession or not, does not change the fact that God owns everything and that we are just managers of his resources.

We can make it through these economic difficulties.  As Paul stated in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV), "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "