Things are in a mess. The stock market is falling faster than gas prices. Politicians are slinging mud as never before. Credit is in a crisis. Workers are being laid off, or are losing their jobs altogether. Just when our health is failing, medical costs are skyrocketing. There is a constant threat of terrorists striking us again. McDonalds is raising their dollar menu. On top of that, I can't seem to lose weight! What a mess we are in.

So, what can we do? Will Obama or McCain solve all of these issues and restore peace and prosperity? Will the government bailing out failing financial institutions turn things around? Will winning the war in Iraq stop terrorism? One thing is for sure, jumping off of the roller coaster is not the answer. Panic will not help. Worry and depression are options, but not good ones.

If your hope is in the stock market or politicians or job security, you have reason to be worried and depressed. But if your hope is in the Lord God Almighty, you have nothing to fear, nothing to dread. Nothing!

It's times like these that separate those who truly trust God from those who really don't. I find great encouragement in the story of the three young men living as slaves in a foreign land. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in a tougher spot than any of us. Their circumstances had so changed that instead of being fed with the king's rich foods they were now facing certain death by being thrown into a fiery furnace. But their statement of faith in God has encouraged countless Christians throughout the centuries. Let their statement to King Nebuchadnezzar be a source of strength for you when you face fiery trials: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18).

We can also let James encourage us: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).

Wow! In difficult times, if we allow God to rule our lives and completely trust him, we can be assured of not lacking anything! That's the promise of God. But even if he doesn't give us what we think we need right now, we'll not turn to other gods (politicians, stock market, military, jobs, etc.). Our God will deliver!