But all is not well in the country, or in the city for that matter, or even the country at large.  The American economy is in trouble.   Big banks are failing.  Wall Street is in a free fall.  People are scared, anxious, upset, and wondering, “Where will this end?”

This, too, is a harvest of sorts.  After all, we know we reap what we sow.  And for a long time, in this country we have sown greed and selfishness under the cover of prosperity and free enterprise.  And let’s not just point the finger at the big boys of finance and government.  Haven’t we all been a little selfish?  A little greedy?  Preoccupied with our own well being, and not concerned enough about others?

If any of that is true, than it’s time to repent.  Not just say, “Sorry” but truly turn the other way.  Replace greed with generosity.  Replace hoarding with sharing.  It’s needed for us as people, and it’s needed for us as a nation.  The world is watching.  What will it see?

There is even a more basic harvest involved here.  Faith.  Faith is what we sow to put all of our holdings into their proper place.  If we put our faith in the government, or our education, or who we know, or our money, or our retirement plan, or the market- we will be disappointed.  We may lose everything.

But if we freely give everything to God, and put our faith in him, we will never be disappointed, and will never lack what we need.  The Psalmist wrote, “You Lord, are all that I have, and you give me all that I need.  My future is in your hands.” (Ps 16)  There’s your retirement plan.  There’s your investment portfolio.

The harvest of faith is peace.  For when we put ourselves and all we own in his most capable hands, we can be completely confident in his care.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God that passes understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.”