SENTINEL WATCH January 5, 2009 Issue

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND DIVINE SUPPLY

EVAN MEHLENBACHER

WITH THE FINANCIAL CALAMITY of past months, millions of people are struggling to feel optimistic about their financial future. On cnn.money.com, Scott Hoyt, director of consumer economics with Moody's Economy.com, is quoted as saying, "Consumers are aggressively cutting back." People are feeling devastated by declines in net worth and mounting bills—and at the same time, unemployment is rising.

But this negative news can be countered with spiritual truths that provide answers. It's a great comfort that in the face of money trouble, there is a divine supply that meets human needs. As manna fell from the sky for hungry Israelites wandering in the wilderness thousands of years ago, the realization can come that divine Love is constantly sending blessings our way, too—even when times are tough.

God does not typically shower us with money falling from the sky, although that would be nice! But God does give us spiritual ideas, inspiration and qualities that enable us to make wise financial decisions. Qualities such as wisdom, intelligence, creative insight, and so forth lead to the profitable action that generates a continuous stream of income. These qualities originate in the divine Mind—an unlimited provider of fresh perspectives, new possibilities, and expanded views. Since we are the children of God, the divine Mind is the source of our intelligence. Our job, or "employment," if you will, is to listen and act upon inspired ideas coming from God, which in turn lead to profitable use of our time and energy.