Life is hard, and we've created many of our own messes...Let's try doing things God's way for a change

Life can be a mess sometimes. Health problems. Relationship difficulties. Emotional wounds. Physical abuse. Spiritual scars. Certainly there are various degrees of struggles and sufferings people face, but none are immune to life’s trials. Whether due to things beyond our control or to our own stupid decisions and actions, life is hard. 

More recently I’ve been hearing about financial hardships plaguing individuals and families. Some of that can be blamed on the economy, as companies downsize and people lose jobs that once seemed secure. As employment seems harder to find. As home values decline. As rent and utilities and gas and food prices increase.

I’ve found, however, that there are usually other factors in the mix. Sometimes health issues cause financial burdens. Sometimes it’s just poor money management or unwise spending. Many times financial problems are rooted in relationship problems. Couples divorce, and single moms or single dads are left to take care of the children on their own, often with zero help from the other parent.

You hear politicians and media outlets talking all the time about the economy. How can we get this economy back on track? How can we create new jobs? Which candidate’s budget plan will best serve our country? How many numbers did you say are in 16 trillion dollars worth of national debt?

Here’s my take. I don’t think it’s an economic issue so much as it is a moral issue. I think if we worked more on building stronger families you’d see a stronger economy. I think if we helped people make wise decisions, you’d see a brighter economy. I think if we cared for others more there would be less dependence on government assistance.

If people didn’t spend billions upon billions of dollars on tobacco and alcohol and gambling and pornography we’d be a healthier nation. If we weren’t so consumed with buying every latest gadget that we think will make our lives easier, if we could do without the biggest house we thought we could afford, and if we would invest more in building the kingdom of God than in building our own empires we’d be a sturdier nation. Things like selfishness and dishonesty and jealousy and greed and immorality of all kinds effect not just individuals, but entire nations.

Why not invest in building our nation’s character instead of catering to ungodliness? We sing “God Bless America” on the steps of the Capitol and during the 7^th inning of every baseball game, but then go back to the office to draft legislation that protects abortion practices and gives homosexuals the right to “marry,” and barely finish the song before flagging down the beer man for another drink.

How do we expect God to keep blessing a nation that keeps rejecting Him? “Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). I believe God would open up blessings upon this land like we’ve never seen before, if only we would listen to Him, submit to Him and walk in His ways. But in rejecting His teachings and His ways, He will also give us over to our own stubborn hearts and we will reap the destruction of following our own counsel.

Before it’s too late, let’s turn to the Lord. My hope for this nation has absolutely nothing to do with who gets elected in November. My hope rests in the mercy and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Let’s repent of our selfish ways and embrace the love of our Father. Let’s see His goodness and mercy poured out on a nation that fears Him and follows Jesus in faithful obedience.

Even wicked Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah and was spared. God’s patience with us now and kindness toward us should lead us to our knees in repentance.