Where do you Go when Your Security and Identity have been Stolen

Are you one of the millions whose world has been turned upside down? Everything you worked so hard to build; the career, the house, the cars and boats--and in many cases, the spouse are gone--or soon will be.

This is heartbreaking at any level. Many families will stick together and tough it out. Men and Women will rise above it all and lean on their faith to get through.

But what of the person who found their security and identity in their careers? They value themselves by how many digits are in their bank account. We have heard countless stories of what some of these distraught individuals have done--and it's a sad situation.

Life has been tough for several years in my family. The economy has hit us just as it has millions of people. We had to sell our home at a loss, literally walking away with little--not even enough for a deposit and first month's rent. There where many things, from wondering how we were going to pay the bills, to eating Top Ramen Noodles at times. I don't share this for pity, but rather to let you know I don't speak as one who is not familiar with nights of fear and tears. But God, (My two favorite words in the Bible.) was faithful every step of the way. And the tears never led to depression.

My point is, how far will we let this current economic situation bring us down--are we going to be a slave to our situation and allow it to make us feel like a useless failure? This is bound to happen when our security and identity are wrapped up in our own accomplishments. This is not to say that we shouldn't work hard or be proud of them, but there is a point when it is an unhealthy confidence.

After my husband left this morning for a second time to work out of state, I spent some time reading my Bible-praying and thanking God for his provision and trying not to complain about missing him.

Never did a passage of Scripture speak so loudly and to today's time than this:

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright." Psalm 20: 7-8

King David was a man familiar with heartache. He was let down, chased, shot at, and had to live in caves at times. There is not a person more qualified to make a statement such as he did in the above Psalm. He saw the mighty and powerful have it all. They trusted in their possessions and in themselves and yet they fell. And when they did, they could not get up.

The great news is that those who trusted in the Lord, were not only able to get up, they were able to stand tall.

I admit it is much easier to trust in what we can see. And if God has been far from our hearts and minds for any length of time, it's almost impossible to trust in him. How many of us would trust a stranger? I wouldn't . Putting our life and trust in a God we do not understand, would be like putting our most prized possession in the hands of a complete stranger.

Nevertheless, everything else has failed until now, so what have we to lose? The Creator of the Universe is quite capable of handling our concerns. He is waiting with open arms to restore hope. He wants us to understand that our security should be in Him, for this will never be taken away. Neither the economy nor the thief can rob us of what God gives. When we cry out to Him and put our trust in Him, we become his child. Imagine--a child of the King. There is no higher calling and with this, we are identified with God. Our worth is not based on the treasures of this world--which are evidently temporary, but that we belong to a King. We can experience joy in the midst of trial and this is what helps us to rise.

As long as we have breath, it is never too late to start trusting in the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't mean as a temporary fix, or the quick prayer for help that just about everyone will throw his way when the chips are down, but I mean a whole-hearted surrender. To get to know Him--give Him a chance, he will not fail.

Will you be one who can say with confidence, Some trust in chariots and horses, but I will trust in the Lord my God, and when I fall, I will soon rise and stand up straight?

It only takes a simple-yet heartfelt prayer. No, your situation will not change over night, but the healing process will begin. There will be those who will mock your choice, but why stay miserable on account of someone else? God offers us a hand up, grab it today--and say, here I am Jesus, show me who you are and lift me up, teach me a new and better way--forgive me for trusting in myself more than I trusted you. Amen.

Teresa Ortiz