Looking Up

Last week was a bit tumultuous, to say the least! I was driving on Wednesday and had the radio on and heard the following: ! 1) The stock market fell another 450 points after having dropped over 500 points on Tuesday. 2) Oil prices rose $5 per barrel. 3) The government is shelling out $85 billion to rescue the AIG insurance group and they’re talking about establishing a government agency to buy bankrupt companies and banks, and 4) Gold shot up $70 per ounce.

Wow! All in one day! Can you believe that?!

The economy is a roller coaster, we’re moving toward the final stretch of a presidential election, there’s unrest around the world and things are looking a bit bleak in several areas.

So let’s all synchronize our watches and Tuesday at 8 pm let’s worry together. Sound good? No, not really. But honestly, have you spent some time worrying lately? Maybe you’re not worrying about these things, but about other things.

Is my job secure?

My marriage is feeling a bit shaky, will it last?

The gas tank is almost empty, and so is my bank account.....

So many things consume our thoughts, our time and our energy. But worry isn’t the answer. Worry sucks the life and the joy out of so many people......and people can worry, literally, about anything and everything. But it does nothing productive. In fact, here’s what God said about worry in Proverbs 12:25: Worry is a heavy load. In Ecclesiastes 5:3 the Bible says: The saying is true: Bad dreams come from too much worrying.

So if worry isn’t the answer, what is? Glad you asked! Psalms 121 says: I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

I know I’ve written this before, but it’s true (hey, you can only write so many of these E-Mails before you’re bound to repeat yourself): When trouble comes, don’t waste your time looking around, instead, look up. That’s where your help comes from.

If I didn’t know God was in control, I’d be a bit worried right now because of the events taking place all around us. But I do know God is in control and He’s going to take care of things. He may not take care of them like I would take care of them, but that’s why He’s God and I’m not (which is a VERY good thing!).

So I encourage you today, look up! There are always going to be situations that cause us to pause and wonder what’s going on, but keep in mind that God is always going to be there for all who trust in Him. So hang in there, friend......and look up. You’ll find what you’re looking for.