Blessed 2022!
We thank the LORD for enabling us to enter into 2022! Many of our loved ones and friends succumbed to the pandemic or other illnesses and are not with us this year. It is truly the grace of God and his mercy that has kept us safe thus far. We pause to remember the many in our faith family who have gone before us. We remember their loved ones who continue to grieve their loss. We pray for God’s peace and comfort upon every one of them, especially our alumni.
The word that stands out for me this year is hope. Hope is a powerful word that stems from the very being of God. Because of God we have a hope and a future. Because of God we can press on despite all the uncertainties and challenges ahead of us. Because of God, we experience grace and mercy that sustains us at every turn of events and misfortunes. Because of God we have a safe and firm and sure anchor that hold us in the midst of the storms in life.
The hymn writer Priscilla Owens says it succinctly in the refrain of
We Have An Anchor:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fasten to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
What a God we have!?And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus!
Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now!
God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole.
(1 Peter 1:3-5, The Message)
Hold on to this Anchor, hold on to His promise of Hope and New Beginnings.
Have a wonderful new year!
