January 6, 2009

Number 1

VIEWPOINT

“Good riddance to 2008; it’s time to start over” screamed the headline over the editorial page on New Year’s Day.  The front page for January 1 wasn’t much better:  “‘08 ENDS WITH SIGH OF RELIEF.”  Celebrators from the evening before were quoted as making comments such as these:  “2008 was terrible.” . . . “I hope things will get a lot better.” 

Of course, newspapers and other news sources thrive on negativity and bad news.   Even with the normal exaggeration, though, you can’t escape the sense that there is deep anxiety and agitation among the population.  That’s something else to be expected – most people are nervous under substandard circumstances while feeling better in more positive times. 

God’s people, in contrast, aren’t governed merely by conditions.  The state of affairs may go up or go down, but those who live by faith are steadied by the spiritual promises of the Almighty. 

That’s not to say Christians don’t get discouraged from time to time.  Writers of the Psalms acknowledged that circumstances aren’t always favorable:  “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD” (Ps. 130:1).   Sometimes things are so bad we need reminders:  “Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?” (Ps. 42:11).

But the answer is always consistent:  “Put your hope in God” (Ps. 42:1).  “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put  my  hope” (Ps. 130:5). “Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption (Ps. 130:7).

The message for our new year is unmistakable:

·                     God continues to be in control.  He is not frustrated by economic downturns.

·                     God is also a loving Father, aware of the needs and concerns of his people.

·                     There is power and strength in God’s word. 

Here’s a positive wish for the New Year:  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).  I look forward to seeing you for the second Sunday this year – with a Bible, a smile and a positive word.                                      RA

New Beginning for a New Year

The turning of the calendar to a new year is a big deal!  Doesn't the idea of a clean slate appeal to you too? Doesn't the chance to start over sound great?

But a long list of New Year's Resolutions might not be the best way to make changes.  Long lists are intimidating and frustrating. Most resolutions are too vague – reduce stress, save more money, be more helpful at home. And the notion of pledging to do something for 365 days is tough on people who are honest about just how often failure visits them.

Perhaps there is a better way.  Remember the advice Jesus gave about just taking care of today and not biting off tomorrow's troubles? "Each day has challenges enough of its own!" he said. Think about it, and you will realize that your own experience confirms it.

In the context of that statement, Jesus gave this counsel:  "Strive above all else for the reign of God in your life, and the things that have been worrying you will resolve!"  God's reign requires conscious surrender.  Not of the entire year but of today's trouble, this stress, or a particular loss.  Not of the other person but of my attitude toward that person. Not of yesterday's failure as much as today's opportunity.

New Year 2009 is God's mercy to you. When we make his presence a reality and surrender the year to him one day at a time, creative new things will come out of chaos of the past.  And life can be fresh every morning.