Don’t Freak Out
This morning, we left the comfort of our restful beds, poured ourselves a cup of hot coffee, and realized that as we slept – all hell was breaking loose…figuratively speaking of course!
During the night, a slow-moving tropical storm swollen with historic rains had made landfall in Florida and was on a severe track to wreak havoc on our beloved Savannah; Iran had made a decision to attack Israel, causing more unrest in the Middle East; and as if that were not enough; it would appear that there was a little problem with the stock market!
One thing that I have learned in this life, above all over important lessons that speak, is that everything can change in an instant. Sometimes these fluctuations are wonderful and beneficial—other times they can cause an enormous amount of concern. After watching some of the financial analysis today, I realized that this paradigm shift in the market was the latter of the two understandings —and people were freaking out.
One pastor that I know even went so far as to post out that this was God speaking through the markets and that we all needed to be praying…I was appalled—not at the suggestion of talking to God about these issues, but at the suggestion that God was using the economic situation to make a point.
My heart goes out to everyone who has been negatively affected by these challenges over the weekend. I am deeply moved for those who have lost their homes due to flooding and wind from Hurricane Debby—even more so for the families who have lost loved ones from the storm. I have great concern for everyone who may have woken this morning to the sound of warning alarms ringing in the air around Israel in expectation of a missile attack—not knowing if the next moment of their lives may be their last…may the Lord keep you safe!
I am also moved in my heart for everyone who is in the process of losing their financial investments. I remember years ago during the last big crash we had in 2008—one of my closest friends, who was retired and living off his pension fund, had to go back to work to make ends meet due to his losses—he was devastated.
Instead of enjoying this season of his life, and the provision he had made for himself through all his hard work in life—he had to go to work in the kitchen of a restaurant. I was devastated for him.
Through all this there is one thing I know to be true—only one thing. The strength of God’s love, His peace and mercy, and His direction are constant and strong. Despite all that is swirling around us this morning, God can be trusted—absolutely. When fear and anxiety come calling—when we are disillusioned and confused about the sudden shift in our reality—or when the wind and rain are beating on our house, God is there to help us and to show us our next move.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a scripture from God’s word. This text has gotten me through many difficult times in my life—and I know that it will be a blessing to you if you dare to stand on its truth…
”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…Philippians 4:6-7.”