What is a Christian response to a bad economy?

Quick answer

Christians should work hard and be wise with finances. But ultimately, our trust should always be in God’s provision.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that Christians can experience peace, comfort, and hope even during the midst of economic hardship. Scripture encourages financial wisdom, something especially useful during stark economic times. Besides doing our part to provide for ourselves, the Bible shows that we should trust in God’s provision for us even during economic hardship. First Kings demonstrates this in recounting how the Lord provided for the prophet Elijah and for a poor widow. Jesus affirms this teaching as well. Even lean times do not absolve believers from generously giving to Kingdom work and to those in need (Proverbs 11:24-25; Matthew 6:4; Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 9:6-7). As Christians, we know that tribulation–including economic difficulties—will come, but we can rest knowing that the Lord works all things, including financial hardship, for good (Romans 8:28).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

We are to trust in God's provision during bad economic times. He knows exactly what we need and has promised to provide for us. The Bible contains many examples of God's unfailing provision. God fed Elijah in the desert by delivering food to him through ravens (1 Kings 17:4–6), and later in the chapter, provided a widow with an endless supply of flour during a time of scarcity (1 Kings 17:16).
Many of the Proverbs promote a solid work ethic and proper financial planning (Proverbs 6:6-11, 10:4, 12:27, 14:23).
Proverbs 13:4 and 20:4 warn that laziness is unwise and that those who refuse to work will go without (Proverbs 12:27).
Proverbs discourages working only to accrue wealth (Proverbs 23:4). Wealth is a type of security, but it is temporary and unreliable.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus told His followers, “do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25).
Even during a troubling economy, believers must give with an open heart and open hand. By giving with joy, we are the “cheerful giver[s]” God loves (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), much like the Macedonians whom Paul commended for giving beyond their means (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
When we are open-handed with our money, as God desires us to be, He rewards us spiritually (Matthew 6:4).
God does not promise us wealth, but He does promise to meet our needs when we seek after Him (Matthew 6:31–33). Our priorities should always be spiritual, so even in a bad economy, we must follow God's instruction to take care of others, trusting that He will also take care of us.
Placing trust in money or our own striving is unwise. Wealth and objects in this world are easily destroyed, but we should fix our eyes on God (Matthew 6:19-21).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Homelessness, hunger, desperation—hard economic times can cause all that, but for most people in western nations, a bad economy may just mean giving up that daily Starbucks latte and downloading digital coupons. Even so, economic instability can cause sleepless nights as retirement savings plummet and grocery prices rise.

What should the Christian response be? Our trust cannot be in our financial savviness, the latest economic influencer, nor a politician. Our trust should always be in Christ, the One who never fails. A Christian who holds back on helping others and on contributing to Kingdom work because of a bad economy is putting too much trust in circumstances and not enough in Christ.

Our attitude during all times, including a bad economy, should be to trust in the Lord.

UNDERSTAND

Christians are called to work diligently and manage money wisely, even in hard times.
God promises to provide for our needs, so we should place our trust in Him, not in wealth.
Even during economic hardship, Christians are to give generously and keep eternal priorities.

REFLECT

What thoughts or emotions surface when you face financial stress, and how do they affect your trust in God?
How does your current approach to money reflect your understanding of God’s provision and priorities?
What changes could you make to reflect more faith and generosity in how you handle your resources during hard times?

ENGAGE

How do biblical examples of God’s provision during hardship shape the way we respond to economic challenges today?
What principles from Scripture help us resist anxiety and maintain eternal priorities when money is tight?
How can believers support others spiritually and practically during times of financial difficulty?