Maintaining Sanity in These Tough Economic Times

Times are tough economically right now. There is no denying the facts: unemployment is high, homes are being lost, spending is down.
How can we maintain our sanity and not participate in negative, woe is me thinking? How can we
stay calm? Through the exploration of these questions we are directed to the solution. If we allow for faith we are guided toward action.

Our current troubles are not new. People since the beginning of time have faced difficult economic situations, times when they were concerned about how they would feed their families, where they would live, and how they would manage to meet their needs.

Consider the people of Israel, wondering around in a dusty, dry, stifling desert. They complained, grumbled, and cried out in frustration. In the book of Nehemiah, the great leader reminds us of the love God always had for his people. He calmed their fears, reminded them of his great love for them and guided them toward the solution.

“In your goodness you told them what they should do. You fed them manna and gave them water to drink. Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain.” (Nehemiah 9:20-21)

I’ve still got a closet full of shoes and clothes to carry me through whatever the weather. I’ve got bread, peanut butter, hamburger helper in my pantry. I’ve got water, milk and Gatorade in my refrigerator. I’ve got access to a computer and gas to fuel my car. My home is heated or cooled depending on the temperature. I am taken care of.

In action, to protect me from the negative and hopeless attitudes, I have surrounded myself with a host of positive people to serve as my Nehemiah and remind me that God has never left my side despite lack of faith, sin or a multitude of insults. These people foster an attitude of hope, joy, and contentment.

Assessing my own situation, taking inventory of my actions keeps me focused and in the solution: Was I greedy? Did I buy too much stuff convincing myself I needed more? Did I forget being employed is a privilege, one I must honestly give of my skills? Was I lazy, apathetic, dishonest? Did I forget to give thanks and credit to those that have helped me along the way?

Careful analysis of these questions allows me to take positive action keeping me out of blame, depression, anger. In taking an honest inventory I begin to realize I can exercise some control over my situation and practice some discipline in my life.

Having extra time and less money allows me to explore opportunities for service. I can give of my time to help someone else who is in need. I can discuss my concerns with legislators and policy makers making suggestions based on intellect rather than emotion and fear. I can practice humility by accepting help if I need it.

Compared to the people of Israel wondering around, I’ve got it made. I doubt the current recession will continue for 40 years, but if it does… God will provide for me. He just asks that I do my part.