Our Hope is in the Lord! By George Stroh August 22, 2010
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118:7)
There is much anxiety these days about the economy, our rapidly growing national debt and the feeling that the United States of America is nearing economic collapse. Quoting from a recent article written by Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, the father of "Reaganomics" and the former head of policy at the Department of Treasury; "The United States is running out of time to get its budget and trade deficits under control. Despite the urgency of the situation, 2010 has been wasted in hype about a non-existent recovery."
Many blame our political and governmental leaders, Wall Street, the rich or big international corporations for our growing economic mess. But there is plenty of blame to go around. The love of money affects both the rich and the poor, as well as, the so called middle class and this sin has consequences; "But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil..."(1 Timothy 6:9-10a).
It is not surprising that an unbeliever who does not trust the Lord, would be fearful and angry when they lose their job, watch their 401K retirement shrink or the equity in their home disappear. These same folks are foolishly hoping that our political and governmental leaders will somehow save them and America. But Christians ought to be standing on higher ground, content knowing that our hope lies thankfully elsewhere; "How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever;" (Psalm 146:5-6).
We are told to be praying for our political and governmental leaders; "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." (1 Timothy 2:1-2). God may very well use our prayers to bring America back economically, politically and even morally. But even if He chooses to allow our country to continue to decline, our hope and faith remains in Him alone, knowing that He cares for those who belong to Him.
We Christians should spend less time fretting and complaining about our secular leaders and all that is wrong with America and more time focusing on our Lord and the ministry He has entrusted to us, in both good times and bad times. Yes, we are patriotic American citizens. But first and foremost we are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. As the time draws near for the Lord's return we need to get our priorities right, being content, focused on the Lord's business and seeking His kingdom.. As Jesus said; "Do not worry then, saying 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the gentiles (unbelievers) eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:31-34). Keep looking up... Maranatha!
