The biblical patriarch Joseph once forecast seven good years followed by seven bad years for the land of Egypt. He was unerringly accurate, but he had the distinct advantage of being led and inspired directly by the Creator God.

Today the economic situation is much more complex than it was in Joseph's time. Even with the benefits of modern computer technology, we are left with uncertain and unreliable economic predictions.

Professional forecasters generally reject the Bible as a source of wisdom and understanding.How bad will the economy get? The Bible confirms that a cause exists for every effect and that nations cannot indefinitely get away with trampling on God's laws. The big crash will happen, but we don't know when. The present economic realities are a timely reminder to Christians of the words of Jesus Christ: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20.) He adds, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (verse 21).

Our relationship with God is far more important than whatever riches we can accumulate in this life. Whatever physical things we gain can always be lost, but the spiritual growth we achieve from living God's way can last forever. In the meantime, we can do our best to weather the storm by getting our own houses in order. You might want to request our free booklet Managing Your Finances. (Sources: International Herald Tribune, Newsweek.)