Bank owned? God owned!

Scriptures: “So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

The other day, after I took my son to school, I noticed a sign on my way back home. It was a sign put up in the front yard of a house. The sign read, “Bank Owned.” It was the first time I noticed such a sign in my neighborhood. It was a sign that I have seen so many times because it has been in TV news all the time since the economic downward spiral started.

I couldn’t help wondering what had happened to the people living in that house. Were they forced out of their home? Or, did they leave on their choice to preserve their financial well-being a little longer? Did they have little children? What was the outlook for their future? Given the economy and the unemployment rate, there have been many reports of tragic situations like this one. They lost their jobs and, as a result, their homes, too.

This thick and dark cloud called “Recession” seems to be hovering over everyone’s life, from individuals to the government. It’s only weeks away from the day when the state government of California will run out of money to pay for anything. Bad news seems to be everywhere, either individually or collectively. And the worst part is no one seems to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As a result, I came home that day with a pretty heavy heart!

The next day, as I began to prepare for the bible study we have every Sunday morning, I came across the passage in Luke 11:3 where Jesus taught us to pray this, “Give us each day our daily bread.” I paused. A question flashed in my mind, “Why did Jesus only teach us to pray for daily bread? What happened to other needs? How about housing? Aren’t they important too?” Then I remembered the passage of today from the book of Matthew and the promise Jesus gave us there cleared all the clouds I had.

He said, “…your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:32-33) How comforting to know that He is our Father. We are His children. We belong to Him. He loves us and cares for our well-being. He knows our makeup and is keenly aware of every need of ours.

To all these needs of ours, He told us not to worry. All that He asks of us is that we seek His kingdom and His righteousness. Then, He promised that all these things we need will be given to us because we are so precious to Him.

Yes, the economy may not be doing well and our financial crisis may cost our houses. But, none of them can take away our identities as children of God. He is still our Heavenly Father and still in charge of our lives. All we need to do has been laid out in the bible, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Though banks can own our house, let’s not forget, God owns our lives!

Prayer Requests:
For those losing their homes and struggling in keeping their family together

Prayer:

Father, help us to look to you for the provision of our everyday needs. Help us to cast all of worries and burdens into Your hands and seek with all our heart, mind and strength Your kingdom and righteousness, as You have commanded us. We know You are still in control and we look forward to the blessings of proclaiming Your faithfulness in our lives as a glorious testimony of Your goodness. In the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!