GN Commentary: February 25, 2009 - How Bad Can It Get?

How bad will it get? This we do know: it has the potential to get very bad. Isn't it time you learned more about God and His financial laws?

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Video Transcript

How bad can it get? Many, including president Obama, are asking that question, as on Monday the Dow Jones Industrials dropped another 3.1 percent, falling to the low 7,000's, levels not seen for over 11 years! The following day, Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, declared before the US Congress that the United States is in a 'severe contraction.'

OK, so you probably didn't need to hear Mr. Bernanke telling you what you already know: that your standard of living is falling, and your family's budget is feeling the pinch. The President acknowledged as much in his speech to the House of Representatives last night, when he declared  "our economy is in crisis," and stated that Americans "live it every day." In the face of all this economic bad news, many of us feel out of control and unable to find much we can do to plan our own financial future and that of our family.

But wait a second. This crisis isn't new—maybe we can find a lesson in history. Way back in the fifth century BC, an ancient prophet talked of God's ability to "prevent pests from devouring your crops." What he meant by that was that the Creator is able to prevent the breakdown of our source of sustenance and economic well-being. He went on to say "So that he [the devouring pest] will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field" (Malachi 3:11). Right now, you may well be feeling that much of your wealth has been devoured; so shouldn't you take a look at this? It's found in the book of Malachi, chapter 3.

That little book goes on to describe a loving Creator God who speaks of practical laws, like tithing, and declares He has the ability to bless people—even in the midst of hard times. Isn't it time you learned more about God and His financial laws?

How bad will it get? None of us, not even the president,  can know how bad it will be tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. But this we do know: it has the potential to get very bad.

So perhaps it's time for you to find out about the One who can bring you through these times of financial turbulence. And to think of bringing Him into your life, and even in to your finances.

For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy.