In today’s world we are bombarded with negative information about our economy from every media voice and every so-called expert. We hear about who is at fault and whom we should demand more from. Tragically, I heard a prominent economist on TV state that; “It was unbridled greed that got us into this dilemma and it will be unbridled greed that gets us out”. These unhealthy voices around us have placed an unbalanced confidence in business, government and the insatiable public desire for more. Somehow, we feel that just extracting more from all of them will solve our problems. We’ve drifted from a standard of spending and debt that is centered on benevolence, giving to others and serving our neighbor and we have slipped into personal protectionism and individual advancement instead.

I am as guilty as the next person for approaching our national crisis from a selfish perspective. But today I am more determined to listen to a voice that has higher authority than Wallstreet or even Main Street. This voice brings me more confidence than the national economists. This voice supersedes the government and even the really smart people who helped us into this problem. The voice I’m referring to is the voice of God through the pages of the Bible. When the TV personality spews out the negative proclamations of our future, I now hear God’s word saying we can cast our fear onto Him. (Ps. 55:22) We can exchange our fear for assurance, that no matter how ugly our world becomes, He has a plan for His children that includes peace in the middle of the storm. (Ps. 23:4) The voices I choose to listen to today are from the pages of scripture that tell me that God will never forsake His children. They tell me that this world’s system is flawed, but God has made a way for those who yield to His counsel, to thrive even in the absence of material wealth. (Heb. 13:5) Besides being a pastor, I’m a metal working artist and I learned that wearing protective lenses and ear protection saves you from destructive forces. My hope is that people would do likewise with the destructive voices that permeate our culture. The voices that tell us that we deserve everything we desire are not helping us. The voices that tell us that we should take instead of give, be served instead of serve and meet our needs ahead of meeting the needs of those around us, are taking us away from our true need which is to trust in God.

God promises us that He will take care of us, so we don’t need to be afraid. He tells us to trust in Him and don’t rely so much on how smart we are. (Prov. 3:5) So next time you watch TV or read a newspaper make sure you wear your protective gear, which can be found only in the pages of the Bible. Be encouraged!

Written by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings

A weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy

Written by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings Protect Your Eyes And Ears