Hard Times

Gen 26 begins with this ominous verse - and there was a famine in the land.

When there’s a famine, there’s a drought, crops aren’t producing, people can’t provide for their families, therefore creating a shortage of cash which produces a vicious cycle. It is a state of extreme or general shortage. Does this scenario sound vaguely familiar?

For the past year or two we’ve been experiencing a recession which might have been a precursor to a depression. A recession is a temporary depression in economic activity or prosperity. A depression is an economic condition characterized by substantial and protracted unemployment, low output and investment, etc; a slump. During a recession, jobs are scarce, therefore creating a shortage of cash which produces a vicious cycle. A famine would be equivalent to today's recession.

In verses Gen 26:12-15 God chose to bless Isaac in spite of the famine in the land. He had so much abundance, that his enemies envied him.

We don’t know why God chooses to bless, but we know that God is not limited by a recession, depression or any economic activity in the land. So despite the trying times that we live in, remember that we serve a faithful God. He is in control – not us, even though we think we’re smart. God is. He can bless you during this time as He sees fit.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

Psalms 37: 23-26 (KJV)

There was a famine in the land.....God blesses!

Interesting Times

On Friday 3/11 Japan endured a devastating earthquake and tsunami, killing thousands. This tsunami, spawned a tsunami alert in Southern California and this is what I woke up to on Friday morning. In SoCal it turned out to be a non-event but up North there was some damage.

Ultimately, I decided to stay home since the tsunami alert affected the area where I work. I am of the mindset, better safe than sorry when it comes to natural disasters and their warnings. So I turned the TV on and was struck by the images of devastation on the screen. I was also struck by the nonchalance people exhibited on our side of the world regarding the tsunami warning - some surfed as usual and hoped nothing would happen, and some treated it as a learning activity and took themselves and their young babies out to watch a tsunami if it occurred. One individual was taking pictures when the tsunami struck up north and he was washed away. I don't know if he was ever found. This boggles the mind!

Another reflection of the times we live in is the recession. It has affected everyone in each state. This op-ed article in the LA Times talks about how the writer has become a happier person since the recession. The irony for me is that the lifestyle changes that she mentions is how I have always lived. I take nothing for granted and try to be a good steward with what I've been entrusted. Perhaps for many people, happiness depends on possessions; for me, not so much.

We are living in interesting times, indeed. Matthew 24 provides a great description of events that are likened to our times. I encourage everyone to know where they're going when they die - heaven or hell. Don't just live as if today is your last day - death is inevitable; be wise about your choices; acknowledge that there is a God; the Lord reigns.
You can have eternal life or eternal death - but either way it will be eternal.