In the midst of unemployment we look at all that we do not have, cannot buy, and might possibly lose.
May I suggest that a change of focus is helpful?
2 Corinthians 4:7- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not of ourselves; we are afflicted in every (many) way; but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken' struck down, but not destroyed;always carrying about the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in you.
The Word of God was so helpful to my soul. It was balm to my heart and my mind. Its richness and completeness minister to my soul as only God could.
Ask yourself some tough questions; is God desiring to remove all the worldliness from your heart that you might be better used for His glory? Might God be asking you to divest yourselves of the attachments of this world in order that you would be free to serve Him to the fullest extent?
Is God calling on you to consider all this "garbage" so that you can focus on all that cannot be lost?
In spite of the importance the world places on owning a home, having a 401k, and all that in the heavenly economy it means nothing. Stewardship of the resources God has given you is an important biblical principle that must be obeyed, but I do believe we place far too much emphasis on things that are perishable. The saying "You never see a u-haul behind a hearse" is a good one because it reminds us that we are not supposed to be placing our hope and security in the stuff of this world.
- One thing that is imperishable is the grace God extends toward us. Nothing can take that away and we do nothing to earn it or keep it. (1 Peter 1:23)
- Our victory is imperishable (1 Cor 15: 54-57)
- God's love for us is imperishable (Psalm 136; 1 Cor 13)
- Our salvation is imperishable (John 10:28)
And this is only a smattering of our imperishable promises. Nothing can take them away.
Most importantly, Jesus Christ cannot be taken away from you. He is walking with you every step of the way in this trial. He is holding you, loving you, preserving you, and is your only way through this crisis you now face. Cling to Him.
Now I realize that when the money is not there, and there are bills to pay that none of this changes that- but what I want you to see that not focusing on these things doesn't change any of it either. You cannot wish anything into existence and focusing on all that is wrong will not help you grow and change or bring glory to God in the midst of your present circumstances.
Take some time today with your Bible, a notebook and a pen and write down all that you know cannot be taken away in this trial!