I believe that God is using the “shaking’s” in the economic system and through natural disasters to wake us up to what really matters in life.  To get us off the wheel of life that spins round and round – never really getting us anywhere. 

Instead of trusting in “chariots and horses,” or in other words:

• Instead of trusting in our jobs or our money, or our home values, or our possessions for our security…
• Instead of relying on our marriage, or our physical appearance or our entertainment or kids or food for pleasure alone… 

The Bible says to not trust in those things, but in “the name of the Lord our God.”  What does that look like in everyday life? 

• It’s being intentional about investing in meaningful relationships (starting with God, your spouse, your children, grandchildren and others) instead of investing only in people whom you perceive can used for your gain, or in the markets etc.
• It’s making time to read our Bibles each day instead of  never getting around to it.
• It’s applying what we are reading even when that means being the only one in our families or circles of influence doing so.
• It’s accepting God’s will for our lives instead of resisting because it’s different than what we want. 
• It’s continually growing in your relationship with Jesus, instead of denominational rules and rituals.
• It’s walking in God’s way, instead of being caught up in what everyone else is doing.

I must admit, that living like this requires boldness.  (Even in some Christian circles.)  Sometimes it means being left out.  Sometimes it means being different than everyone else.  It’s not always easy.

But stand firm, my friend.  You will be living a life that counts in the eyes of the God of the Universe!

When you intentionally choose each day to “trust in the name of the Lord your God” (and it is a daily decision), you will live life like no other.  How?  Because:

• There’s a joy that’s indescribable. 
• There’s a peace that nothing else can give you when you know you’re living in the center of God’s will. 
• There’s a quiet confidence that comes when you’re walking in God’s way because you begin to trust and rely upon Him to open doors of opportunity and to provide for your needs.

It wouldn’t be in the Bible if He were not trustworthy, reliable and dependable.  Use the Great Recession to restrategize and to stop running in circles.