| Is God's Economy in a Recession? Karen Jordan |
A few decades ago, Dallas Holm penned the lyrics of the song, “I’ve Never Seen
the Righteous Forsaken,” based on Psalm 37:26. At that time, this song
encouraged me as my family faced what I feared would be an impossible financial
crisis due to a major life and job change. Today, as I battle my own fears again
during this economic slump in our nation, I’m reminded of God’s faithful provision
for our needs during that formative time in our family’s lives.
Critical Move. When my husband moved us away from our hometown to attend
seminary, we left our family and friends behind. We also abandoned his stable job,
our new home, and the comfort of familiarities. Yet somehow, we faced the
unknown, knowing we had to learn to survive on only half of our prior income.
Creative Strategies. As a young, stay-at-home mom, I found myself alone in a
strange new city, without my previous support groups, struggling to find creative
ways to manage a reduced household budget. Thankfully, when we joined a new
church, we met several other seminary families living with similar financial limits.
So, we shared ideas as we attempted to survive the culture and economic shock.
We organized babysitting co-ops and planned shopping strategies—where to find
the best deals and how to clip coupons to stretch out food allowances. We traded
our children’s “hand-me-down” clothes and bartered our services, like typing term
papers for sewing skills. I learned how to cut my family’s hair, cook low-cost,
nutritious meals, and create gifts ideas on a tight budget. When a neighbor
needed a cup of milk or an egg, we shared whatever we could spare. And when
we enjoyed meals together, everyone contributed to the menu from their own
sparse pantry.
On weekends, we packed picnic lunches and loaded the kids into our car for our
“family outings”—exploring the local parks, lakes, and hiking trails—because we
couldn’t afford restaurants and movies. We visited family and friends on our
“vacations,” avoiding expensive hotels and amusements parks.
Complete Provision. Our family learned the value of prayer as we sought God
together for our daily needs. I remember one teachable moment with our kids.
When one of my children asked me to consider purchasing what I intuitively
believed was an extravagance, I retorted, “We don’t have the money for that!”
My son, Adam, reacted, “Why don’t we pray? God says He’ll provide all of our
needs? Let’s just ask Him.”
“You are right, Adam,” I relented. “Thanks for reminding me.”
After that simple reminder of a lesson that our entire family was learning, we
discussed the difference between a “need” and a “want.” Then, we prayed
together. Looking back at that moment, I realize that I still have to pray about my
emotional reactions to situations that I consider impossible.
Of course, our children did not applaud my hair-cutting skills, and they moaned
about our inability to purchase the hottest brands or the latest fashions. While we
learned to despise dried beans and my “cowboy stew” recipe, our family never
missed a meal during those years. Somehow, we endured—even the questioning
eyes of our more affluent family and friends. And our faith grew as we continued to
learn that God was our Provider, and we could trust Him with our needs.
The psalmist’s words reflect my memories and understanding of God’s provision
throughout the years: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the
righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and
lend freely; their children will be blessed” (Psalm 37:25-26).
Should I expect any less of my Provider today?
the Righteous Forsaken,” based on Psalm 37:26. At that time, this song
encouraged me as my family faced what I feared would be an impossible financial
crisis due to a major life and job change. Today, as I battle my own fears again
during this economic slump in our nation, I’m reminded of God’s faithful provision
for our needs during that formative time in our family’s lives.
Critical Move. When my husband moved us away from our hometown to attend
seminary, we left our family and friends behind. We also abandoned his stable job,
our new home, and the comfort of familiarities. Yet somehow, we faced the
unknown, knowing we had to learn to survive on only half of our prior income.
Creative Strategies. As a young, stay-at-home mom, I found myself alone in a
strange new city, without my previous support groups, struggling to find creative
ways to manage a reduced household budget. Thankfully, when we joined a new
church, we met several other seminary families living with similar financial limits.
So, we shared ideas as we attempted to survive the culture and economic shock.
We organized babysitting co-ops and planned shopping strategies—where to find
the best deals and how to clip coupons to stretch out food allowances. We traded
our children’s “hand-me-down” clothes and bartered our services, like typing term
papers for sewing skills. I learned how to cut my family’s hair, cook low-cost,
nutritious meals, and create gifts ideas on a tight budget. When a neighbor
needed a cup of milk or an egg, we shared whatever we could spare. And when
we enjoyed meals together, everyone contributed to the menu from their own
sparse pantry.
On weekends, we packed picnic lunches and loaded the kids into our car for our
“family outings”—exploring the local parks, lakes, and hiking trails—because we
couldn’t afford restaurants and movies. We visited family and friends on our
“vacations,” avoiding expensive hotels and amusements parks.
Complete Provision. Our family learned the value of prayer as we sought God
together for our daily needs. I remember one teachable moment with our kids.
When one of my children asked me to consider purchasing what I intuitively
believed was an extravagance, I retorted, “We don’t have the money for that!”
My son, Adam, reacted, “Why don’t we pray? God says He’ll provide all of our
needs? Let’s just ask Him.”
“You are right, Adam,” I relented. “Thanks for reminding me.”
After that simple reminder of a lesson that our entire family was learning, we
discussed the difference between a “need” and a “want.” Then, we prayed
together. Looking back at that moment, I realize that I still have to pray about my
emotional reactions to situations that I consider impossible.
Of course, our children did not applaud my hair-cutting skills, and they moaned
about our inability to purchase the hottest brands or the latest fashions. While we
learned to despise dried beans and my “cowboy stew” recipe, our family never
missed a meal during those years. Somehow, we endured—even the questioning
eyes of our more affluent family and friends. And our faith grew as we continued to
learn that God was our Provider, and we could trust Him with our needs.
The psalmist’s words reflect my memories and understanding of God’s provision
throughout the years: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the
righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and
lend freely; their children will be blessed” (Psalm 37:25-26).
Should I expect any less of my Provider today?
Karen Jordan, professional and technical writer, addresses topics about her faith and
writing. Karen and her husband, Dan, live in Arkansas. They have two married children
and six grandchildren. Find Karen’s website and blog at
www.karenjordan.net.
writing. Karen and her husband, Dan, live in Arkansas. They have two married children
and six grandchildren. Find Karen’s website and blog at
www.karenjordan.net.
© 2009 Karen Jordan. All rights reserved.
© Photographer: Noriko Cooper |
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