Uncertainty And the Stock Market

Bringing a spiritual perspective to daily life

Are you feeling any concern about the stock market? Are you wondering whether you should buy, sell, get out, stay in?

Peace of mind can be found regarding any financial situation when we see more clearly that God is our true source of supply. Stock values rise and fall. Profits go up and down. People's expectations strengthen one day and weaken the next. But God's ability to meet every need is a fixed fact that will never change. God can be relied upon for help at all times and under all circumstances, regardless of whether or not you have money to invest.

Jesus Christ said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:19, 20). Jesus was not telling us never to save or provide for the future. Once in his ministry he told his disciples to take a purse with them when they went out to heal the sick and preach the gospel. But he did not teach them to put their trust in that purse. He taught them to put their trust in God. Through his works, such as the multiplication of food and obtaining a coin from the mouth of a fish, he proved that the power of God could supply human needs in any number of unexpected ways.

Stocks and bonds are not a source of supply. They are only one form supply may take. The important point is that God, not something material or of a worldly nature, is the source of reliable income.

The income God gives us is not in shares in a corporation but in spiritual ideas. God's helpful ideas are coming to us all the time. They are communicated directly to consciousness by the one Mind, which is God. The more we listen to God for direction (and therefore the less we act out of fear and speculation), the more we will plan our financial affairs sensibly and intelligently.

Does God's guidance come in the form of "Buy Tough Tech today" or "Sell Wacky Widgets tomorrow"? Divine direction may include clear-cut action on our part, but we should not be looking to God for advice on what stocks to buy or sell. God's help comes in the form of His comforting presence. Thoughts of His love and of His ability to meet every human need remove fear, enable us to think clearly, and prompt us to act prudently. The more we feel the comfort of God within, the less we worry. The wiser our actions are and the sounder our decisions.

The textbook of Christian Science says, "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul" (Mary Baker Eddy, "Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures," Pg. 60). Here Soul is employed as a synonym for God. Soul represents all the goodness of God. Soul gives us what we need in order to live a life of superabundant health and joy. Wholeness, contentment, assurance, consistency, originate in Soul. They are just some of the countless spiritual assets God gives each of us.

The more we learn about Soul and accept with gratitude the infinite blessings of God that are already ours, the more goodness we see. The more love we feel for ourselves and for others. The effect is one of healing - healing of the doubts and fears that cause us to be afraid for our security.

While human opinions and forecasts shift and turn from one day to the next, God's provision is predictable. Putting confidence in Him does not mean abandoning financial responsibilities, but does mean handling them according to a wisdom beyond human reasoning.

Whatever your financial position may be at the moment, your spiritual position - your relation to God - never changes. He loves you, cares for you, and watches over you at all times. Understanding and accepting His ever-abundant good, you will never lack anything. And that's a fact you can count on!

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