Food prices are rising. Paychecks are shrinking. You may wonder, Where’s God in this economic mess as Christmas nears?

Where’s God when you can’t buy what you want. . .for every day and for Christmas?

Like new tires for the car.

Or a cup of coffee.

Or presents for the kids.

Doesn’t the beloved Psalm 23 say, “I shall not be in want”? Hmm. This doesn’t seem to jibe with the messy economy. And not just any messy economy but. . .

A messy economy that messing up Christmas gift-giving!

I could tell you the proper meaning of “I shall not be in want” in context.

I could say in the words of  Phillip Keller in his classic A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23:

One of the fallacies that is common among Christians today is the assertion that if a man or woman is prospering materially it is a significant mark of the blessing of God upon his or her life. This simply is not so.”

Though I’m not crafty like The Nester and other such women, I could encourage you to make most of your Christmas gifts. But how do you “make” the Xbox game your son wants or the iPod your daughter desires?

I could suggest that you get a seasonal job at Kohl’s or Macy’s.

But I’m not going to go there.

Rather, I will pray for you. . .because God knows what you’re facing financially and He has the answers. Would you pray with me?

Heavenly Father,

You know your daughters inside and out. You know they want to give good gifts to their children and close family at Christmas. You know how full or thin are their bank accounts. We praise you that you are in control. We recognize that whatever money we have truly belongs to you.

I ask that you give your daughters peace and wisdom as kids and grandkids clamor for this toy or that gadget marketed on TV. Help each of us focus on what is most important: You. Let us show your love to the world as we give freely to the needy, including orphans and widows. Let us count our blessings daily and give thanks.

You Are Blessed,