Learn From A Financial Downturn
The Economy Is Bad (But God Is Good), part 2 of 2
Whenever a financial downturn occurs in our lives, for whatever reason, no matter what happens there is one thing that God always wants and desires to occur. That is that we learn from the downturn. The bible talks about how important it is to have wisdom, understanding, and knowledge about finances so that we can handle them properly regardless of good or bad economic times. We will look at five things we should learn and live out in our lives in times of financial downturn so that we experience the least amount of damage and the most amount of perseverance through them.
Download the notes.“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom…who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
(Proverbs 3:13-15, NIV)
What We Should Learn (And Live Out) In Light Of Financial Downturns
(from Proverbs)
1) Downturns are _REGULAR, INEVITABLE & UNPREDICTABLE_.
“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
(Proverbs 23:5, NIV)
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
(Proverbs 27:1, NIV)
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
(Proverbs 27:23-24, NIV)
2) God uses downturns to bring _CLARITY ON WHAT COUNTS_.
“Whoever trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
(Proverbs 11:28, NIV)
“Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die; Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
(Proverbs 30:7-9, NIV)
3) Every answer for our downturn issues is in _THE BIBLE_.
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
(Proverbs 30:5-6, NIV)
* Seven consistent biblical themes on handling finances:
i) We should earn money through hard work and honesty.
ii) We should live well within our means.
iii) We should avoid debt at all costs.
iv) We should save faithfully and invest carefully.
v) We should give generously to the less fortunate.
vi) We should honor God with tithes and offerings to His church.
vii) We should put our ultimate trust in God, not money.
4) Downturns provide ___OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS___.
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’— when you now have it with you.”
(Proverbs 3:27-28, TEV)
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
(Proverbs 14:31, NIV)
“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”
(Proverbs 21:13, NIV)
5) No matter how bad the downturn, __GOD IS FAITHFUL_.
“The Lord tears down the proud man’s house but he keeps the widow’s boundaries intact.”
(Proverbs 15:25, NIV)
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”
(Proverbs 3:25-26, NIV)
“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”
(Matthew 6:32b-33, NLT)