In light of Wall Street’s most recent nose dive, I found myself dealing with some momentary angst. Not because I have a massive portfolio, by no means. But because I want to make sure I have a stable future set aside and protected for my wife and children. For me, providing for my family is one of the highest honors I get to do as husband and father and I take that role incredibly serious. Plus, I have been called by God to be a good steward of the things He has entrusted to me, so I try my best to faithfully manage His resources.
But, why the angst? Why did it feel like my heart was partially collapsing right alongside of the Dow? I think it was because the Dow collapse reminded me I am not in control of anything! There are no good investments in this world, but Christ! It was because in that moment, I was leaning into my own strength, ingenuity, and abilities to protect my family, instead of trusting and relying on God. I was trusting in me instead of trusting in Him. If it is true that He holds all of my life in His hands, and that He really truly cares for me and my family (Matthew 6:19-34) then we could lose absolutely everything and still be ludicrously wealthy because we have Him.
The truth of the matter is this, my family is never more secure than they are in God. They are never more safe than they are with Him. Never more provided for than when we are trusting in Him. Those are things Wall Street, jobs, and creaturely comforts simply cannot provide to us.
As men, we are definitely called to be wise and to provide for our families well. If we don’t the Bible says we are worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). But as Christian men, we are also called to model absolute trust in God. We are meant to demonstrate a quiet confidence in Him, even when the world does not make good sense.
Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13:
“for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him[d] who strengthens me.”
