“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (I John 3:2-3)

We live in a time of tremendous social, political, and economic change. Mixed in with the financial turmoil and the ongoing recession are natural disasters and wars and conflicts abroad. Our prayers are with many of our members who face job losses and harsh times at home. How are we to make sense of it all? If ever there were a time for seeking God, continually praying for His wisdom, and clinging to the hope only He provides, it is now.

If what men labor and grasp for in career and monetary success all suddenly collapses, what is man left with? As believers, we truly do have assurance and hope, hope that is rock solid. Our hope is in the Lord who made Heaven and earth. We find perfect peace as we place all our hope in Him.

Isaiah 26:3-4 reads: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.”

It is this very same hope that the world so desperately needs today. In times like these, we need an anchor; we need a Savior. We need to make certain our anchor holds and grips the Rock eternal.

No matter the cross He calls us to bear, we can bear it patiently, and “(be) confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

Yes! We do have a loving Father who knows what is best. Our times and circumstances are in His hands. May we be drawn nearer to Him, take on His yoke daily, learn from Him, and be at rest in Him.

So let us continue to encourage one another, pray together, and help strengthen one another’s faith. May we deepen our love for Jesus while living out His purposes for us and strive to please and glorify Him while bringing His light and hope to others.