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Everywhere I turn, there are conversations about the high cost of oil. Living in an isolated place with a very cold and long winter means that the concerns are very real.

With the cost of heating our homes and the escalating cost of everything that must be transported here, our financial resources and creativity are being stretched. There will be many who will find themselves beyond their limits. There is likely to be a lot of stress in our future here in Fairbanks.

It will be interesting how people of faith will respond. In times of stress and challenge, our true values and beliefs seem to be more apparent. I wonder — will followers of Jesus Christ hunker down in a bunker mentality and seek to ride out the storm? Or will we find untapped generosity, creativity, faith and strength to share with those who are tossed about by the coming storm?

Are we joining now with our fellow residents to find ways to be more energy efficient? Are we spending more time being anxious or more time in prayer preparing our hearts?

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.

One might think that the discipline of tithing is primarily meant for the funding of God’s work through the church. Maybe that is so, but it seems to me that those who have learned the discipline of financial management that includes this sort of generosity will be better equipped for the days ahead.

Quite possibly the discipline of tithing is a spirituality that forms us in a way that helps us retain our community spirit when the times get tough.

I pray that God has sprinkled enough of these disciplined folks into our midst to help show us the way and to help us keep the faith and not hunker down in a bunker mentality.

As is true anytime and anywhere, worshipping the Lord alone, following his precepts and keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus and his way, truth and life is the key, the foundation and the cornerstone of abundant living.

If we follow in God’s ways, we do not need to fear, because perfect love casts out fear.

We have no need to panic for God will provide to the open-hearted, open-handed, grace-filled believers all that we need and more, both for us and for the neighbors we are called to love in every season of life.

“See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. One who trusts will not panic. And I will make justice the line and righteousness the plummet.” Isaiah 28:16-17a.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2.

Insight is sponsored by the Tanana Valley Christian Conference.

The Rev. Tom Telfer is pastor at First United Methodist Church.