Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2–3

These past several years have been challenging for all of us. Political polarization, the pandemic, social unrest, the ever present social & racial injustice, the distortion of facts and truth, and insane conspiracy theories. I occasionally find it difficult not to be angry, afraid, and not think or act like a Christian; and leaving me to wonder, will we ever get out of this?

But through all of this, the faith that was so clearly and lovingly demonstrated by my parents (particularly my Mother) as I grew up, and my participation in the life of this church have helped me put some of that anger and fear in-check. I often think back to my time in Disciples I class, and the lessons I learned about God’s relationship with us, and ours with Him and the fact that no matter what nonsense we bring to the table, God never gives up on us. Even when I am at my worst, God has allowed me to feel his presence. This is very reassuring, and it is then I realize I must trust in Him.

And all of this is fulfilled in the fact that God gave us his Son to redeem us and save us: from all dangers the world has to offer, and from ourselves. As angry and fearful as I occasionally find myself, I find comfort in this, and I have hope.

Thought for the Day: As we enter the Christmas season, may we all find our strength in the knowledge that God has sent us Christ to redeem and save us, and with that knowledge let us remain hopeful.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to your ways. Have patience with us and guide us. Help us to be more like Christ. Help us to find strength and courage and to never lose hope.

Mark Ryland,
husband, father, pappap