Finding hope when struggling with debt

In a similar way, we get used to awarding ourselves a status based on the amount of money we earn. In God's eyes, our status is constant and there is nothing we can do to stop Him loving us.

Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Redundancy is becoming a reality for many thousands of people. Coping with losing a job can be hard and finding a new one even harder, but the skills and achievements that people acquire as they use their God-given gifts and talents are still there, needed and wanted. Often there are opportunities in the community or in charities to continue to give and serve, and sometimes these can be a good way of continuing to contribute and be appreciated, as the search for a new job after redundancy goes on.

Mark 12:41-44

"He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Despite the current financial climate, there are many things to remain thankful for, and it does us all good to think about them frequently and give thanks.

Luke 1:46-55

"And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
   to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’"