A Water-logged Bible & the Economy

About six years ago, we were living in Overland Park, Kansas and I was a full-time stay at home mom living the high life (changing endless diapers, trying to magically create meals from nothing, chasing kids who could run faster than me at about 18 months-tops). At some point, I heard Beth Moore speak of the pride she felt in her tattered Bible filled with personal notes. In response to this pride, she felt led to buy a new, clean Bible.

I can not say that my Bible was either too tattered or had too many notes in it, but I did feel a sense of pride in my familiarity with the Bible. Around this same time, I spilled a rather large tumbler of water on my Bible and, well, it expanded.... So, I decided it was time to purchase a new Bible. I decided I needed to begin using a different version as I had been using the NIV for many years. For a reason I do not recall, I purchased a New Living Translation just to mix things up a bit (I know, I am true risk taker!). Before you judge me, I know the NLT is not a "version," but a "translation." I know it is not considered "scholarly," but I chose it anyway. As I have said before, I am not a theologian, but I am just a regular person seeking Truth through the Holy Spirit. I am pretty sure the Holy Spirit can speak through the NLT....

Shortly after the translation change, our family experienced a significant life change: We decided to move from Kansas to Ohio for a new job opportunity. The new opportunity included a cut in pay, fewer benefits, and the loss our dearest friends and support group. Actually, it was very exciting as we knew God was leading us to make this move; however, it was also a little scary. As I was seeking the Lord, He comforted me with the following scripture in my new NLT bible:

"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 32b-33, NLT).

I believe these verses were my promise from God to confidently take the steps of faith He was asking of us. I clung to these verses and repeated them frequently to myself and anyone else who would listen. Then, one day out of curiosity, I decided to look them up in my trusty, water-logged NIV. Here is what I read:

"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: 32b-33, NIV).

I was stunned - those were probably among the first verses I ever memorized as a child in Sunday School! Had I read those verses in my NIV first, I would have passed right over them because of their familiarity. I believe the Lord used the newness of the NLT to reach me in a way He knew I needed at that moment. I still keep my NIV close by, but I enjoy reading the NLT.

These same verses were brought to my attention again this week in my pastor's Bible study guide. Pastor Glenn asked, "In a recession, what sorts of challenges will families face and how will they overcome them? He guided the readers to Matthew 6:25-34. These are the scriptures where Jesus tells us not to worry about food, drink, and clothes. He tells His followers that our heavenly Father will care for these things with even more concern than He gives the lilies and the birds. The verses that struck me anew were 31-33. In my NLT, these verses are:

"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these thing? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you what you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 31-33, NLT)."

Turn on the news and ALL one hears about is the economy and the recession. It is so easy to be caught up in hopeless emotions. In this scripture, such worry is identified with "the pagans." Webster's online dictionary defines pagan as, "one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person." I do not want to be identified with this definition, so I must allow the Holy Spirit to overcome these emotions within me. How might I seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power?

• Ask for it in prayer - John 14:12-14
• Diligently position myself to receive comfort from the Holy Spirit (i.e., watch/read less news...)
• Fill my mind with Godly promises by reading, studying, and memorizing scripture
• Trust, Delight, Commit, Wait - Psalm 37:3-7

It sounds simple, yet I know it is not.... Making the Kingdom of God one's primary concern is counter-cultural (and counter-human, for that matter). From my experience, I can attest to God's provision in making this commitment. It is my prayer that you, too, will be inspired to make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Believers certainly have specific assignments during this tough economic time, so we must overcome hopelessness in order to hear how we should respond. Will you join me?