Faith in the Midst of Turmoil

The world is beginning to develop some form of normalcy after two years of global lockdown.

With it, the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally being felt — higher gas prices, more demand with limited supply, and inflation in the housing market.

Nationally, a recession looms. Families that could barely make ends meet before may find themselves in more dire straits. 

My husband and I are true-bred 90s babies — or, as the media has dubbed us, millennials. We were in high school during the 2008 recession, so we don’t truly recall what the climate was like at the time. 14 years later, we have a family of our own for which we need to provide. Knowing what lies ahead sets us on edge. Concerns that border on worry envelop our thinking.

But if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to continually seek the Father for instructions to handle the days ahead. 

Gratefully, during the entirety of the pandemic we found ourselves in the blessed position to meet our needs. I don’t make that statement to brag in any way. It is truly by God’s grace that we continuously had enough to make ends meet.

We also are of the belief that God supplies all of our needs and even our desires, too. When the matters of life become too much to bear, we enact our faith to keep us surefooted. 

Sure, we can’t always see what we are believing God to work out for us, but I am reminded of Hebrews 11:1, which reads:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV)

Whether we see the manifestation of the promises of God or not, as believers, we must always hold onto our eternal hope — which is faith. We trust that we serve a living God; therefore, we know he is concerned with our day-to-day life.

 So, how do we keep faith despite our circumstances?

Believe that God’s Word is true.

Here are some of my favorite Scriptures (all translated in the English Standard Version) that help me to see beyond how I feel. I pray they bless you mightily. 

Luke 12:32

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

Matthew 6:30–34

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

James 1:3

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Featured photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels; in-text photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.