Coping with inflation

Many of us are tempted to despair over the rising cost of living. We wonder where it will end and how we will get along until it does. The answer is: Turn to God. In deep understanding of Him, and trust in His goodness, we will find the answer to inflation. The Psalmist said, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." n1

n1 Psalms 37:3.

We need to see clearly that God is divine Mind and Love and that He has all power. Man -- our true identity -- is the expression of His infinite nature. God governs the universe with precision and gentleness, and provides for every need of man.

The acceptance of divine facts such as these enables us to invoke God's law of supply, and our needs are met under every circumstance.

This law enabled Elisha to help the woman who had no money to pay her debts. His clear understanding of infinite Love's certain provision brought with apparent miraculousness the required means for the widow n2 Christ Jesus refused to accept the supposed limitation of available food -- a few fishes and some bread -- and fed over five thousand people through recognizing Love's unending ability to conquer lack. n3

n2 See II Kings 4:1-7.

n3 See Matthew 14:15-21.

So if prices go up and our income doesn't follow, we don't have to be afraid. This is the time to remember that despite high prices and, perhaps, inadequate income, infinite Love is present, sustaining us. As we insist on this great fact, we are praying effectively and can expect ample supply of the things we need.

Trusting Truth may not be easy. But we can do it as we comprehend that God's love rules out lack. Too often we let down our guard and allow in fear. But we won't submit to fear when we realize that God's goodness displaces evil. No economic force or situation can prevent us from receiving Love's abundance.

What does God give us to meet the challenge of inflation? Spiritual ideas. Mary Baker Eddy n4 states, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment." n5

n4 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

n5 Miscellaneous Writings,m p. 307.

We needn't outline what guidance we will have. This would introduce mere wishing and might keep us from discerning wise steps to take that we have never contemplated. Trusting Mind implicitly is always the best way. With expectancy and right motives, we will not be surprised at the number of helpful ways that occur to us to augment income and reduce expenses.

It is also important to see that such things as monetary and fiscal policies also come under Mind's ability to decree intelligent action. Those in authority whose decisions influence inflationary trends and their effects will be helped mightily in correcting this scourge as we prove in our own lives Mind's supremacy.

We need never feel hopeless in the face of inflation. Rather we can turn to God in deep prayer and prove that in spite of the economic picture, God's law is operating to abundantly meet every need.

In this way we cope with inflation, and win. DAILY BIBLE VERSE . . . the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated . . . James 3:17