Some of the commentators on TV have begun to compare the current economic situation to the Great Depression.  It is likely that the massive government interventions that we have witnessed will prevent a repeat of a depression.  However, clearly, there are people hurting all around us.  Home foreclosures are on the rise, job layoffs are increasing day-by-day, investment account balances have dropped dramatically, and people are feeling uncertain about the future.

With the current situation in mind, we have compiled a series of thoughts that will hopefully add some perspective.

Where does our value come from?
Our value comes from being a child of God, not from having money.  God still loves us, regardless of whether we are in an economic expansion or contraction.  Furthermore, Jesus still died on the cross for us.  Nothing will take that away from us.  For this fact, we should continue to praise Him.
          1 John 4:9-10, "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
          Psalm 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"
 
In whom do we trust?
We should place our trust in God, not the size of our net worth.  We all know that God's principles are eternal, whereas the riches of this world are temporary.  Let's place our hope in eternal things, not in temporary possessions.
          Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
          Proverbs 11:28, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."
          Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
          Proverbs 23:5, "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
 
Does anyone know what will happen next?
No, they do not, no matter how smart they are.  The Bible urges us to be wary of anyone who claims to know the future.
          Proverbs 27:1 (NLT), "Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring"
 
How should we react ?

• Pray

Proverbs 16:3, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed"

• Seek Godly Counsel

Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
Proverbs 19:20-21, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails"

• Stay Diversified

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth.  Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie.  Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.  As you do not know the path of the wind, how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.  Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."

• Don't Aim to Get Rich Quickly

Proverbs 28:20, "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished."
Proverbs 13:11, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow"
Stick with your savings routine
        Proverbs 6:6-8, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest"
        Proverbs 21:20, "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."

• Be Patient

Proverbs 14:29, "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly."
Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

• Be Generous

Proverbs 11:25, "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
Proverbs 28:22, "A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him."

It is in the rough patches of life where people often seek out answers.  We, as a group of Christians, can use opportunities like these to reach out and meet people's needs.  There will likely be some opportunities in the coming days and months to minister to those around you and lend a helping hand.  I encourage you to keep your eyes open and move as the Holy Spirit guides you.