Take a Deep Breath
Posted on September 22, 2008
Filed Under Attitude, Biblical Principles, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Housing prices continue to slide. Some of our largest financial institutions are failing or being taken over by the government. The stock market is on a roller coaster ride, with an emphasis on steep dives. Unemployment in the USA is at or near a 5 year high. It’s time to… sit back and take a deep breath. It’s easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom of the moment, especially when it seems there is nothing but bad news. However, I think that things are almost never as bad as they seem. Here is my take (from a Christian perspective) on how to deal with some of the bad financial news that’s been dominating headlines lately.
The Stock Market Meltdown – Having money in the stock market can be kind of distressing right now, particularly if you are close to retirement. My own retirement plan is down over 25% since last year. Remember though, that what goes down will probably come back up. This is a good time to re-evaluate your asset allocation. If you buy individual stocks, it is an opportunity to buy quality companies at a large discount.
Phillipians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
The Housing Crisis – Are you upside down? If you can still afford to make your payments, then keep making them. Are you behind on payments and in danger of losing your home? Maybe your lender would be willing to do a loan modification. Remember that earth is just a temporary home – our true home is elsewhere.
John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
Unemployment – If you are unemployed, I am sorry for you. Realize that there are resources to help you get through this period. It might be a good chance to cut a lot of dead wood out of your life. It also might be an opportunity to find a better job or a better situation than what you had previously. Also remember here is another type of work besides a job.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
What if you’re not a Christian? I think the same principle applies – don’t let yourself become overwhelmed. If you do, you short-circuit your ability to deal with the problem. As the matter of fact, I don’t feel you should focus all your energy on just solving problems. Change the way you see your situation. Spending all your time and energy solving a problem solves the problem, but it doesn’t give you a way forward to where you want to go in life, especially when new problems can keep coming at you. Invest in yourself right now. Gain knowledge. Make new friends. Expand your social and professional networks. Look for new and different opportunities. Your ability to connect with others and make adjustments are valuable assets during hard times.
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