By Bill Tilney

An economic downturn holds the potential for a spiritual upturn!

Are you looking through the eyes of fear or faith? If you listen to the news 24 hours a day, you are no doubt living in fear. God’s Word provides over 2,300 verses on money and possessions that are more relevant than ever in today’s tough economy. The Word of God provides the solutions to a world desperately seeking truth and peace.

Faith distinguishes us as Christians. Faith isn’t about what we can do; it is about what God has done. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV)

The old nature we inherited from Adam becomes more visible as humanity tries to hide from reality rather than take responsibility for its actions. Just like Adam in the Garden of Eden, we are aware of our nakedness but don’t know what to do about it. So, we hide and point the finger at others in an attempt to put the guilt for our national financial crisis on someone else, rather than look for the root of the problem within ourselves and call on the One who can save us from our problems.

God’s Word is true. “Just as the rich rule the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7 NIV) Banks reduced lending standards in regard to the qualification or a home mortgage, and millions of borrowers took on debt they could not afford. Our financial institutions and businesses are now looking for a “savior” who will make a way of escape and deliver them from the problems they have created. The government is not the savior. The recent economic woes shout loudly that biblical principles apply to individuals, families, Wall Street firms and even governments.

This is not just an economic downturn; look at the deteriorating moral values in our nation. Divorce rates, abortions, pornography, drug addition and child abuse are all rampant. America needs a spiritual upturn to sweep our land. Some might call it a revival.

Because people are looking for truth and crying out for help, the church holds the potential for a spiritual upturn worldwide. Jesus is the answer. Colossians 3:2 tells us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (NKJ) The greatest power source in this world is the Holy Spirit. The church is facing one of the greatest opportunities ever, if her people will rise to the occasion and fall on their knees.

“ If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2Chr.7:14 NKJ)

May 7, 2009 is the National Day of Prayer, a day set apart by our government to pray as a nation. It is good to join in concerted, fervent prayer on a special day, but we should not wait. We should be praying now—and every day after the National Day, as well. Our nation is at a crossroads financially, morally and spiritually. God’s people are singularly equipped to meet this crisis by renewing their humble obedience to God’s Word and calling on Him for healing of our land.