"The markets can remain irrational longer than an investor can remain solvent" (2 Peter 3:9)

The markets can remain irrational longer than an investor can remain solvent.
Attributed to Maynard Keynes

Isn’t it ironic that one the leading economic philosophers and theorists of the 20th century stated a truth that millions of investors already know? Anyone who has ever invested in the stock market has undoubtedly struggled with the decision over whether to hold on to a stock or mutual fund that has declined in value since the initial purchase. Do I sell now and cut my losses or hold on and hope the stock price will recover? The answer, more often than not, is found in the prescient words of Keynes.

There is an analogy to my sins. I can cling to my irrational sins and hope that I will survive long enough so that I “grow out of my sins.” Some therapists insist that with time, I will see the error of my ways and change my behavior and attitude. Perhaps. In my experience, I continued in the same sins or these sins morphed into others. I could wait a lifetime but my sins would not diminish nor my behavior improve.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

God’s patience with me, is only matched by His grace and mercy. I would still be mired in my sins if God had not changed my heart and led me to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior. Once saved, God’s Holy Spirit began to transform my irrational spirit and replace it with the peace of God’s love. He took the initiative to save me. I would have lived my entire life and my irrational sins would still have defeated me in the end.

Thanks be to God for saving me!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.