“In times like these, it always helps to recall there have always been times like these.” ~Paul Harvey.
Sure, that’s true, but we’re living now in perilous, uncertain and precarious times. With developing activity in Ukraine and Russia, an unstable economy at home and a world still trying to find its feet after a two-year battle with the COVID craziness, it’s often difficult to find steady ground.
If we aren’t in the last days, then heaven help us when we get there.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. ~2 Timothy 3:1-5.
So what to do in tough times? Who can you believe? Where do you go for wisdom and advice? It’s not time to push the panic button, but it’s an excellent time for a reboot or reset. Here are some quick areas to take inventory and review.
Your faith. This is crucial to get through tough times when. We shared this when COVID began, so here again, are helpful tips.
There are no social distancing restrictions for you and God. Plan your time well.
- Embrace your faith. This is a time to get closer to God, not question and turn away.
- Be personal with your faith. Read and strengthen your spiritual foundation (Bible, devotionals, other books) and ensure you’re spending quality time with God daily. Set a specific time each day for this.
- Reach out with your faith. This is a great time to check on and help others. Even if you can’t get out to physically be part of their lives, a phone call, text, IM, or card can make the difference. You may never know unless you ask.
- Get involved in your faith. Get engaged with your church and with the people in the church. They will provide strength and confidence. (Hebrews 10:25).
Your finances. If you’re like most people, your finances have gone topsy-turvy at least once over the past few years. With inflation, an unstable economy, job changes, COVID consequences and other influences, you’ve undoubtedly experienced some of that topsy-turviness.
Keep it simple. You’ve heard me say it before, but get your emergency fund in order — first and foremost. This will protect you when those unexpected things happen.
- Put off big-ticket purchases that can wait.
- Pay down as much debt as you can. Sell something, stop something (another expense), but get gazelle-intense about it.
- Talk with your tax advisor (CPA) and your financial advisor.
Your health. With rising medical prices, it’s incumbent that you do what you can to take care of yourself. As you know, many of the problems people encountered during COVID are related to underlying conditions. If you have one of these conditions, manage it well. Improve where you can — diet, exercise, doctor’s visits etc. — but do your utmost to be proactive about it. Do everything you can do.
Your family. How are your family and friends? Can you help them? It’s time to circle the wagons and take care of mom and dad as well as kids. Kids, check on your parents. Parents, communicate with your kids and grandkids. Share your wisdom, your experiences and what you’ve learned. Your family is an integral part of your life and legacy. Protect, preserve and prepare.
Indeed, there have always been times like these. But when the storms of life approach, you can be prepared.