As we all know, our nation is undergoing some tough economic times. We will likely be tested in a number of ways before the many problems facing us are solved. Folks are really hurting. Bill Fuller, who heads up the Alabama Elder Justice Project, sent me the following quotation. It’s certainly applicable to today’s problems and concerns:

As I’ve faced hard times in my personal and professional life, and as I’ve struggled to find God in the face of senseless tragedy, I return again and again to what has become a guiding star of my faith: God never wastes a single experience.

Dr. Andrew Westmoreland
President of Samford University

It’s good to know we have a man in charge of a major institution of higher learning in Alabama who knows where to turn when problems of any sort arise. Dr. Westmoreland’s words are both timely and absolutely true.

Favorite Bible verses
I am going to furnish one of my own favorites this month. I have learned from experience that “good” will eventually show up regardless of our trials and tribulations in life.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Shanna Malone, who works with me each month to put out the Report, submitted her favorite scripture which is:

Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Shanna, who is a strong believer, also added the following words of wisdom that I will pass on for your consideration:

All too often we fail to commit what we do to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality it is being done for themselves. Others give God only temporary control, taking back control when things stop going the way they expect. Still others commit a task to the Lord, but put forth no effort themselves, and then wonder why they failed. We must trust God as if everything depended on Him, while working as if everything depended on us.

My friend Wanda Devereaux, a Montgomery lawyer, sent this verse in:

Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 6:34, KJV

She added the following observations which I am passing on to you. Wanda is my friend and I appreciate her remarks.

Today. One day at a time. Take no thought for tomorrow. Comforting words but hard to live up to. Of course, we must plan and prepare for the future but can we learn to live as Jesus tells us to? In October, Jere shared with us The Beatitudes and some reflections on them. Jesus went on to deliver, in Chapters 5-7, some beautiful and comforting words, of which this verse is a part. The preceding verse tells us first to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and “all these things shall be added unto you.” Verse 34 is not to be read in isolation; it comes with the comfort that God shall add unto us as our needs require. It is not foolish to “take no thought for the morrow” when you understand what Jesus is saying. The economy is horrible; people are scared; people are losing jobs and life savings. The talking heads are crying “depression coming!” Now is an excellent time to heed His words, plan and prepare as we can, but live today for today. God will take care of you. I am reminded of the saying that if you fall from a cliff, God will either catch you or teach you to fly. Well, a lot of us are learning to fly! The incredible depth of the peace and comfort of God’s providence and love are much needed in these chaotic times. “In God have I put my trust. I will not fear.” Psalm 56:11. By trusting in God and cherishing His Holy Name and the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, that we might see eternal light, all shall be well.

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