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Real Life Re-Run: Where's God in the Financial Crisis

I re-read this post today, because I need to hear it again! I feel like I need to republish it and bring it to the top of Real Life. I am hanging on to Him for dear life these days! Originally posted in Nov 2008.

I've had this post flowing through my mind for a while now, I've just been too busy to sit down and get it all out. So I'm taking this cozy Saturday night opportunity to actually write a thoughtful post on this here neglected blog!

I've been asking God where He is in the midst of this financial crisis. I know it didn't take Him by surprise, he's not in Heaven wringing His hands, saying, "Gee, I hope America doesn't go down the tubes this time!" I believe everything that's happening is part of His plan, whether it looks good to me or not. He knew Obama would be chosen president, He knew the economy would dip into a recession, He knew whether we'd be able to make our mortgage payment last month. (thank you Lord for providing for us)

But the Lord communicated to me in church, while I listened to the worship ministry play a popular Matt Redman Song, Blessed Be Your Name. You see, God's purpose for America, for us as individuals, is NOT prosperity, longevity, or even worldly peace. While he does provide us with everything we need, we really only need one thing: HIM

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

And God's purpose in all things is to bring glory to Himself! When it boils down to it, I exist to glorify God, no matter what the circumstances. So as long as I honestly say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord," I'm fulfilling His will.

I would never say that I wanted to be tested in this truth, but the more I meditate on His word, the less afraid I am of financial collapse. We could have friends move into the upstairs or basement and help with the payment. We could turn our entire yard into a garden, and put food up for the winter. We could do without cable, cell phones, and internet. OK, no, I couldn't live without the internet!

So maybe God's plan is to get us thinking: "What if I lose this stuff? Does it really matter to me?" (I've learned that it matters to me a little more than I thought) What He really wants is for us to draw closer to Him during this time. If we obey, does that mean it won't last as long? I don't know, but I do know that I will know Him better, and I'll store up treasures not on this earth, but in my eternal home with my God!

As I was searching for scripture to inspire these thoughts, I came across the story of the parting of the Red Sea. God said, "But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD" If you click over and read the whole chapter, you'll see that the Israelites were terrified of the Egyptians chasing them, and they thought all was lost. However, God was using the horrific Egyptian army to bring glory to Himself!

So, anyway, maybe this financial crisis is our Egyptian Army, and if that's the case, you can be sure God will show His Glory!

What are you thinking about God's plan in all this?