Like many Americans, Joe and Diane thought the price of real estate would continue to climb as it had historically. So they stretched to put a down payment on the house next door. They worked hard to improve the property—landscaping, installing granite countertops and new appliances, and finishing the basement. They financed their improvements by taking out a second mortgage.

But when the economy tanked, Joe lost his job. He’s been unemployed for nearly two years now. As a last resort Joe and Diane wanted to sell their home and move into something less expensive. But the real estate market had already taken a nosedive, and the price of homes plummeted. Now they were upside down on their mortgage—owing far more than their house was worth. They received help from their church for a while, but eventually they got so far behind on their payments they felt there was no way they could ever catch up.

We all shed tears the day they packed up a rental truck with their belongings. We prayed for God’s blessing on them, but I know they face a difficult path. Many people today have had to resort to bankruptcy—some because they bought too much house for their income, others because their circumstances changed.

But while we can’t trust in our finances or the changing economy, we can trust in God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8), and He will be there for us day after day—more dependable than the sunrise. Trust in Him.