A New Year, a New Opportunity

Once again, we find ourselves at the threshold between one calendar year and another. These last couple of years have been a whirlwind of worry, fear, and loss for many. And many also look forward to 2022 with pessimism. But one thing that I have learned is that in the struggle is where life happens, where opporunities a presented, and where God moves and molds us into his perfect image. In the struggle we find strength and learn to trust in God's promises. We want good times. We want things to work out even as we worry, and if we are not careful, fixate on how things could go wrong. I think the pandemic has put a lot of people in this mindset. One running joke I would often see online back in 2020 was a month by month list of various bad things(like 'murder hornets") that would be inflicted upon us throughout the year. The attitude in 2021 seemed almost worse in a way as a certain resignation seamed to sink in. But I think much of this is noise. I'm not saying that it's been easy, and many of us have lost loved ones or otherwise suffered during this time. But much of the worry and fear comes from this constant noise coming from the news, the government, and even those around us that paint a bleak picture. But what I've found is that when I stop paying attention to that and focus on the many blessings that God has given me instead, then my outlook becomes bright once again. We all have struggles and troubles. We all have been and continue to be affected by the pandemic and the public response to it. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble, but that doesn't mean it has to be our focus or dominate our outlook. Whatever trouble we are in, whatever struggle we face, Jesus is still Emmanuel, God with us. If we walk with Him and are sheep of His pasture, then He leads us beside still waters and makes us a table in the presence of our enemies. He restores our souls. Though we walk in shadow and among death, His rod and staff comfort us. So 2022 is a new oportunity. Not an opportunity to avoid all trouble or have everything be bright sunshine and roses all of the time, but an opportunity to walk closer to Jesus than we did this last year. It's an opportunity to lean further into His promises. An opportunity to enjoy our blessings more, and love our families more. An opportunity to strenghten our church and contend more for the precious faith that was once delivered to the saints. God bless!