We begin 2010 with a great deal of anxiety in
our society. Many are worried about the economy, which does not
seem to be recovering as quickly as we would like. Many
are worried about finding work, or what to do about health
insurance. Many others are concerned about a protracted military
presence in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This worry has an effect in our lives;
personally, in our families, in our church. There are serious
issues that we face, but how we face them is as much a statement
of our faith as anything. Do we trust that God does know what we
need? Do we trust that God will provide for us? Do we trust that
God will bless us as we share from our wealth with those who
have less than we do?
As we move into this new year, many are
reconsidering the choices they make. How do we spend our money?
How do we use our time? How much focus do we place on “things”
versus how much do we focus on the people in our lives? How much
do we invest in our faith life, to be reassured of God’s
presence in our lives, and to look to God for direction,
redirection, as to what is most important?
The anxiety of the world does play a role in how
we function. As we begin this new year, we all have the
opportunity to reassess. This is more than just “New Year’s
resolutions,” which are often made and forgotten in a day. This
is a rethinking of who we are as children of God, and how we can
most effectively live out our faith. How can we best encourage
one another and the world with the awareness that God knows all
that we need, and that God will provide for us out of the
abundance with which he has blessed this world? How can we use
our time and our resources to be a source of God’s love and care
for this anxious world?
As we go through this reassessment, individually
and together, let us always remember that God has given us all
that we are and all that we have. Let us remember that God knows
what we need even before we ask for it. Let us have confidence
that God will work in us and through us with a message of hope
and grace for the world. And let us not fear to consider new
ways in which God may be redirecting us as we live as people of
faith. May we, in all things, continue to give generously of our
time, talent and treasure, seeking first the Kingdom of God, and
God’s righteousness, and all these other things will be given to
us as well.
In confident hope of a new year of blessing,
- Pastor Karl M. Richard