Okay, so this adorable picture has nothing to do with what I'm going to write about. I just like it. I hope it makes you smile, too. We need more smiling.

It seems that lately, with the declining economy, upcoming election stress, the wars abroad, and the state of our world overall, people are really, really stressed. Granted, we are facing some major stuff. I've felt the economic crunch for some time and have had financial issues well before the latest crisis.

Sadly, our news media makes certain we are tormented with commentaries, and debates (not just the Presidential one) with so-called experts arguing more about why we're in such deep doo-doo than trying to clean up the smelly mess.

The newest news that caught my attention was, of course, what's being referred to as the Big Bailout. You know, the billions of dollars our government intends to spend so financial crisis can be Band-Aided up in hopes that further devastation is avoided.

The only problem with Band-Aids is that sometimes they serve simply as a cover for much deeper issues. If we have an infection raging under a cut, a Band-Aid will only mask the real problem, allowing it to fester until it finally bursts. I know. Gross picture, but it sure gets the point across, doesn't it?

I have no idea what the fast answer is to all our woes. I do know, though, worrying about it isn't the answer; nor will worrying help us find a solution.

Tonight, at church, our pastor made several really good points when talking about the state of the nation in relation to our relationship with Christ. It helped me put things back in perspective. Maybe it will help you, too.

Ultimately, there was one massive bailout in history that truly worked. Do you know what it was?

When Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again, He "bailed us out" of a pit. He kept us from spending an  eternity in the pit of all pits -- hell. He did more than apply Band-Aids, He saved our lives from the inside out. The work He did on The Cross translated into a deep and intimate work in our hearts. He settled the score once and for all. He provided a solution to our deepest concern and greatest fear -- death.

Because of His selfless solution, we have a hope and future that awaits no matter what crisis takes place in the present.

In fact, there's a scripture that is ideal for us to reflect on, actually, perfect for us to cling to right now. I sure am using it.

Col. 3:2 -- Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.

When I remember to hang on tight to this truth, I am no longer frightened by the doom and gloom those talking heads on TV are spouting.

Can you imagine if for just one day, one day only, the news focussed only on good and positive stories? What that could do?

Unfortunately, I don't see that day coming anytime soon. So, it's up to us to stay focussed on the good and on God rather than the negative.

I know. I know. This is no easy task. God didn't say life would be a walk in the park. He did promise that if we followed Him, He would lighten our loads. Not to mention, He gives us a ton of promises and instructions that make living life in this fallen world a whole lot easier.

Friends, let us remember, God is in control. He's not panicked about Wall Street or worried about the next President. He's the same yesterday, today, and always.

So, I'm going to do everything I can to stay focussed on the Only One that can provide Big Bailouts that work -- Jesus Christ. Hopefully, you will, too.

Here's a challenge: Everytime you start to worry (this goes for me, too!) pray and ask God to help you keep your mind focussed on things above rather than earthly things. Turn off the news and open His Word. Ready, set ... let's do it! Amen!