Finding Inspiration from the Bible in a Tough Economy

Like a lot of people, I have been going through a rough time since the Great Recession began. I lost my job in 2009, lost my apartment, moved back to my home state, and started taking classes at the local community college. While searching for inspiration to navigate this crazy economy, I have looked to the Bible. The following verses from the New Living Translation have given me inspiration and hope in a tough economy.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

When I lost my job and career in 2009, I felt like I had no future. I was destined to struggle for the rest of my life. When I read this verse, I realize that God does have a future planned out for me. Regardless of the bad economy, He will allow things to work out for my good. God is bigger than any bad economy.

Psalm 65:5 NLT

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.

While looking for a job, I often asked the question, “Where is God?” I prayed for a job and received a rejection letter. It was tough. One night, I stumbled upon this verse. The verse says that God answers our prayers. Even though it was hard to trust God, I knew that he was my only option. There was just too much competition in the job market for me to be successful by myself. I needed God.

Matthew 11:28 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”

I did not sit around and watch Oprah or the daytime soap operas after getting laid off. I had to look for work. The job search was exhausting. Losing my apartment and moving back to my home state was exhausting. Re-entering the college classroom at the age of 30 was exhausting. I was tired. Dealing with this economy was a heavy burden for me. I felt alone. One day, I opened my Bible to Matthew 11:28, and realized that I needed God’s help to get through this difficult time. Going through this alone was wearing me out. I was thankful that God could be there for me in this difficult time.

Psalm 112:11 NLT

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

When reading this verse, I realized that I did not have to fear the stock markets, credit downgrades, record deficits or the line of people fighting for part-time minimum wage jobs at McDonalds. I opened my Bible and read this verse in the Psalms. I realized that God would always take care of me no matter what was happening with the economy. As of right now, He has never failed to take care of me.

Psalm 91:15 NLT

When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

This verse told me that I would never be alone. I would never be alone when I received a rejection letter or was preparing for an interview the next day. This was inspiring because I did not want to be alone. I was thankful that I had a God who would be with me throughout this recession and even after it ends.


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