Thursday, October 16, 2008

How to have peace during economic strife

The following is an article I wrote for www.eHow.com.

How to have peace during economic strife.
By MarciaDawn



With the economy in such a mess, many people are feeling anxious, discouraged and down-right terrified. In fact, there isn't a single American not affected in some way or another by the current crisis. However, you can have peace of mind in times such as these and worse. This isn't a peace that comes from not having a difficult time, or from being untouched by poverty, but it is peace in knowing that the things of this world are not eternal and that there is Someone who loves you so much, He made the ultimate sacrifice. He is better than any financial advisor and has stored up for you treasures which cannot be found on Wall Street or anywhere else in this world. The author and securer of this peace is Jesus Christ. We live in a time where mentioning the name of Jesus is not politically correct, and even despised. However, He offers what no religion of the world can. He ALONE can give you the "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). To find out how to have this peace, read on.

Step1
To have the peace of Christ, you must first acknowledge and accept Him. Jesus is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and no one can go to the Father but through Him (John 14:6). This is the first and most important step. Believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior, for "there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12) and "whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed" (Romans 10:11). He loves you and died for you so that you may have life and have it abundantly ( John 10:10). If He gave His life so you may have abundant life, He is certainly willing and able to carry you through the storms of the economy and anything else this life can toss your way.

Step2
Once you have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, the best way to get to know Him better is by reading His Word, the Holy Bible. There are many translations available today. Some common favorites are The New International Version or the New American Standard, which is where most of the scripture references in this article are taken. Whatever version you choose, take time to snuggle up to it and study it. Hebrews 4:12tells us that "the word of God is living". It is applicable to any situation you may find yourself in. It is His instruction manual, love story as well as the ultimate source of encouragement and comfort.

Step3
Pray. This act can be a little daunting to many people. Don't let it be. Yes, you are approaching the God of the universe when you pray; but as Jesus as mediator we can walk boldly into the throne room. Jesus' blood has made you an heir to the Kingdom of God. The same God who loved you enough to take human form and die for you, and was raised again, also wants to hear your concerns. After all, the entire point of Jesus' death was to cover your sin so you may have an intimate relationship with the Creator. You will find the time spent in communication with God will bring more comfort than you can imagine. He will no longer be some unseen, gigantic cosmic being, but will become your closest and most trusted friend.

Tips & Warnings
It is human to worry, even as a Christian. But as a Christian, you can take comfort and find strength in the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves (^or greedy CEOs) break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.....For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink, nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?..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." (verses 19-21;25-26;32-33). (comment added by author)

Some may find these tips to be archaic or "religious fluff"; however, only those who have an intimate relationship with Jesus can have this peace and understand what this article is promoting. One day the things of this world will no longer matter to any of us. One day we all will be staring at eternity and the economic crisis of 2008will be the last thing on your mind.

For more information on Jesus, or for counseling on accepting Him as Lord and Savior, I recommend speaking with someone from a local Bible-teaching church.

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