These are uncertain times when it comes to things economic. People are losing their jobs, the economy is in the tank, and many of our monetary investments are worth a fraction of what we thought. This doesn’t sound hopeful, and can be downright depressing if we worry too much about it. Now this doesn’t mean go out and stick your head in the sand, but if we dwell too much on the negative, it can easily overwhelm us, and influence how we think and feel, coloring every area of our lives.
While it is a good idea to have a plan, it is also true that the best-laid plans often go awry. So, we continue to plan, plot our course, make course corrections with our budgets and spending, and do the best we can. Even then, it may not be enough.
So, where does this leave us? I’d like to offer that we do all we can, but then trust God for the rest. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 6:19-20:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (NIV)
The things of this life are temporary. The things of God are eternal.
We see the same principle at work in our bodies. They are mortal, only temporary. Sickness, setbacks, and disease can impact a life, a career, a family, and relationships. How often have we seen people who take excellent care of their bodies, only to find themselves taken back when an unexpected illness is discovered, or when tragedy strikes?
Again, we see God reaching out and speaking to us in the scriptures. Paul discusses the temporary and eternal in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:16-18:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
This kind of turns it upside down, doesn’t it? What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Let’s keep an eye on the seen, but an even keener eye on the unseen. It will bring balance, confidence and hope to our lives here on earth, realizing that this life is only temporary, but the life to come is eternal.
That’s something we can bank on, something we can put our trust in.
Selah.
