January 23, 2026

At times it feels like our government does not treat everyone equally. Still, the Bible says we should pray for government officials and those people tasked with the responsibilities of law, order, and civilized behavior. That means we pray for our leaders whether we like them or not. Jesus was once questioned whether He paid taxes. He sent Peter to pay what was due, providing the needed funds by placing a coin in a fish’s mouth. While it would be nice to find our tax debt in a fish’s mouth, God makes a way when there is no way.

Periodically, a financial crisis makes things difficult for everyone. We are living in such a time. Gas prices, inflation, food costs and the fees for almost all other goods are creating challenges. And that is just in personal homes. Small companies are being forced out of business every day. When day-to-day living gets painful and scary, there are many ways to survive. Panic is not the option we should choose. When we are in fear our judgment suffers. We make bad decisions. We compromise. Some people get angry and blame everyone else for their suffering. Even governments blame others for bad decision making or failure to maintain order. Throwing money at a crippled economy does not work. What is needed is peace. Hope. Faith. For those who trust God there is a history of hunkering down and tightening belts, a willingness to wait on His perfect timing.

Father God, I thank You for training me to wait on You in faith. I thank You I have known plenty and I have known lack. And in both, You have always sustained me. These things are the same no matter what I have: love, friendship, laughter, and the indescribable beauty off Your earth. Creativity leaps in excellence and empathy and grace bless those who are in pain. You are such a good, good God and I rejoice to be in Your presence. Thank You for loving me into tranquility and trust.

I won’t be in the world much longer, but they are in the world, and I’m coming back to you. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me, so that their unity may be like ours. John 17:11