“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”  Dale Carnegie

What do you predict will be the outcome of the current financial crisis?

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  (Rom. 12:12; NIV)

As discussed in Wednesday’s DG, the financial crisis that looms before us is truly a picture of the line that declares “it’s Friday,” while the irrefutable law of seasons or (as some call it, the law of rhythm) assures us that “Sunday’s coming!”  This law states that everything is in a constant state of flux, moving to and fro, forward and backward, high tide and low tide, high feelings and low feelings, winter and summer, spring and fall.  This law is expressed in the saying, no condition is permanent.  Or…this too shall pass.  You could also say, “When you feel down be assured that an upswing is coming.”

It always has come, and according to this law, it always will come.  Some uncomfortable changes may have to be made, but interestingly enough, those are usually changes that desperately needed to be made in the first place.  In reality, we were never willing to endure the pain of the change, unless we were forced to do so…as seems to be happening right now. 

Think back on your own life.  You won’t have to think too hard to see examples of this cycle in action.  Everything was going great, then something happened to change it all, and after the pain subsided and the adjustments were made, you now find yourself strangely grateful for the new outcome.  Note that those adjustments likely wouldn’t have happened otherwise. 

Properly understood and used, this law should cause us to look with hope and gratitude on the “high” that is coming.  Admittedly, that takes some effort and discipline, but if we choose instead to look at the “low” we are currently experiencing, or worse yet, how much lower we could go, we will simply exacerbate the pain of the adjustment.  Don’t forget that what you focus on always grows. 

Unfortunately, the reality is, that bad news sells and good news doesn’t.  Therefore we are the unwitting victims of the frenzy created by the media as they seek to “keep us informed.”  But, we always have a choice.  We don’t have to be victims.  We can choose to look with great anticipation at the coming mountaintop instead of worrying about the current valley.  Pollyannaish?  It’s your choice.

Now, if you’re thinking ahead, you see that this law has a corollary.  If you’re experiencing a high…then a low is coming.  Great observation!  Let’s talk about that on Monday.  Make it a fantastic weekend.  Remember, Sunday’s coming!!!

Prayer Power
Lord, we can’t deny that to think positively during negative times is hard.  We admit that we need Your help to persist through times like this.  Help us to be able to confidently relax and keep our eyes on the hope that’s ahead.

Link of the Day
Today’s Economic Issues - Prosperity Lost?

Blessings on you as you turn your eyes to the hope that’s before you this weekend.