HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For those of us who still use a wall calendar, today we not only turn the page … we have to take down our 2011 calendar and put up a new one for 2012. While the transition may hardly be noticeable to some, we move from a year of filled with memories—some good, some not-so-good— into a year that has yet to be defined.

When it comes to 2011, each of us could probably come up with quite a list of memorable events and occasions—some of which we cherish, some of which we would rather forget. Whether or not you make such a list, I ask you, what did you learn in 2011? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about other people? Most importantly, what did you learn about God and how have you grown in your walk with Him? Take some time and reflect, but don’t get stuck in the past … reflect with an eye for the future.

When it comes to 2012, I imagine that the year holds some uncertainty for all of us. Some may wonder how their health will hold out in the new year. Some may wonder what opportunities will arise throughout the year or what changes might occur. Maybe you have vacation plans that you have been anticipating and now the plans need to start materializing. Inevitably, some will approach the year with fear and trembling (and not in a good way) as they anticipate cataclysm on December 21, 2012 (doomsday prediction / end of the Mayan calendar).

As for me, I’m not going to waste the year in worry. Oh, I may have a few moments, but no matter what people think will or will not happen, God is still on His throne! Jesus gave us some pretty clear instruction to this end: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Mat 6:33-34 ESV)

I’m going to head into the new year with the same resolution Joshua exclaimed: “... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) As Psalm 9:10 says, “… those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” So, instead of worry, I will approach 2012 with anticipation and curiosity at what God will do in the year ahead. And, as your pastor, I encourage you to do the same.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker