Note from the Director's Chair: Psalm 34 in a season of uncertainty

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking these past few weeks about what happens when the circumstances of life threaten to undo us. Perhaps you have too.

On any given day, I have friends and neighbors who, through actions of the tumultuous environment in which they live, can loose everything. I dare say for many, present conditions have us acutely aware that we live completely beyond our own control, even beyond our comprehension.

For those in poverty this is often a daily struggle. It seems that just when they are about to get up something hooks them by the waist and "kicks you back to the curb". When this happens, how is it that one can resist the temptation to give up? To be without hope?

Hear the Word of the Lord:

This poor man cried and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man (or woman) who takes refuge in him.

I, personally, along with my family and many of my neighbors, have had many despairing days this past year. We've had many days when we have needed these words of grace.

I suspect that you may be experiencing this sense of despair during this day, week, month or year of economic crumbling in our country. Many of you may have lost jobs, businesses, personal wealth, meaningful business relationships or other things. Please know that as you have encouraged us and empowered us to count on the grace of God throughout great troubles, we are praying for you.

If there are specific things that our staff and community can remember in prayer on your behalf, please let us know.

When the righteous cry for help,
the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their trouble.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

The grace of God is vast. The promises of God are sure. In the urban environment we often have to be reminded of this and He always proves sure. So, let me try in my feeble ways to send you a message from the 'hood. Be confident of God's grace and love for you.

Among the most important spiritual lessons to be learned from the perseverance of the saints in our community is this very thing - to continue to walk in faith in uncertain days. As one old negro spiritual encourages us, keep your eyes looking ahead in faith to what Christ has for you:

"Hold your life, Brudder Robert, Hold your light. Hold your light on Canaan's shore.
What make ole Satan for follow me so? Satan ain't got notin' for do wid me. Hold your light, hold your light, hold your light on Canaan's shore."

Counting the grace of Christ with you.

Joel.