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.

If lack of job openings is the cause for deep despair, then it's helpful to reconsider the kind of work one is capable of doing and willing to take on. With large corporations laying off thousands of workers and whole industries facing possible shutdown, many people are confronted with tough decisions about their future. Workers are wondering if they should learn new skills, wait for an opening, or move to another region. It's heartening to remember that in changing times, God gives us flexibility, creativity, patience, and open-mindedness. These qualities provide what's needed to adapt to evolving circumstances.

The Apostle Paul was called to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the masses. But in the book of Acts (18:3) it's recorded that he made tents to sell. For someone who could heal the sick instantly, and even raise the dead, spending time sewing canvas might have felt like a major demotion! Yet it's doubtful Paul complained, seeing that in Second Corinthians he wrote, "God loveth a cheerful giver" (9:7). Paul's ministry prospered over time, evidently not held back by his having to construct tents part of the time. That's a model to consider if we're feeling compromised with the current job market.

I once met an artist who loved to paint, but couldn't seem to find a way to earn an income through his artwork. He decided to pray for receptivity to God's supply possibilities, and subsequently discovered horse owners who would pay him to paint pictures of their horses. He found a need, met it, and his own needs were satisfied too. In blessing others, he blessed himself.

As 2009 gets underway, people have the privilege of drawing upon the bottomless "pocket" of divine Mind for aid and assistance. The primary need is not for money or loans, but for ideas that lead to progressive ways of thinking. These ideas enable us to manage the money and loans effectively. Ultimately, it's inspired thoughts coming from divine Mind that turn deficits into surplus, pay off debt, and bring about prosperity.

Paul also wrote to the Corinthians, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (II Cor. 9:8). God knows our needs before we ask, and supplies us before we look. Divine wisdom is always available.

Knowing God's supply of good is always available in the moment we now occupy, we can effectively address any concerns for the future and take stock of divine Love's help at hand. Like trekking to a water spring, and finding refreshment on arrival, we can travel on with confidence and trust that God's good goes before us and occupies the day, providing just what's needed before we arrive. "If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present," Mary Baker Eddy offered (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 230). Prayer provides the practical wisdom to stay productively and gainfully employed throughout the year.

Whether looking for a job, managing the mortgage, juggling bills, holding a business together, or putting food on the table, everyone has equal and free access to the mother lode of all income—divine intelligence. css