Hope for 2009

Driving in the car this morning, a radio talk show host was asking listeners to call in and vote whether or not they believe things in general will be better or worse by the end of this year.  The votes seemed to be about 50/50, with some decidedly pessimistic and others simply stating that they don't think things can get much worse.  I contrast that whole conversation with my experience in church this past weekend.
     We launched the new year at Willow with a service that focused on the good- ness of our God, no matter what.  We started with verses from Psalm 27, where we are reminded that God is our stronghold.  David ends the songs with these words, words that could not be more appropriate for our uncertain times:
 I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the
 land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and
 wait for the Lord.    (Psalm 27: 13,14)
     Together, we celebrated communion and agreed as a community that in Christ alone we will put our trust.  The terrible trouble in the MidEast, the volatile economic downturn affecting so many, and all kinds of personal struggles and anxieties people are challenged by don't seem to forecast many reasons for hope OUTSIDE of our faith.  How grateful we all should be who hold this hope, a hope that no one can take away from us!
     Here are a few simple reasons I am hopeful this morning:
* The sun is shining and there is beauty in my back yard even though it is bitter cold.
* I took my older daughter back to college yesterday, and I am so excited for her to begin her second quarter.  Our family was blessed with some wonderful time together over the holidays, and I do not take for granted our health, our home, and our joy with one another.  We even got to see the show Wicked one last time before it leaves Chicago - and that show gives me goosebumps!
* I will meet in a few days in Orlando with about 30 champions of the Arts Movement from churches around the country.  I can't wait to see them, to dream and plan together for how we can more effectively serve and ennoble church artists in the coming year.
* Though the economy is scary, our church was incredibly generous at the end of the year, contributing to causes that are outside our walls and will provide for the under-resourced in hugely significant ways.  People still care deeply about the poor!
* Most of all, I have hope because I am a precious daughter of the Most High God.  Everything else pales in comparison to that mighty truth.
     I hope you have many reasons for hope this day as we launch a new year.  May God remind you that He is your stronghold, and we will always see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Be strong, and take heart...