Dear siblings in Christ,

The college application deadline is November 1^st.  That date is looming large in my home as my son, Matthew, is trying to decide where he wants to spend the next four years of his life.  There are so many emotions that go along with this process, but most of them right now aren’t pleasant – pressure, anxiety and fear.  Which college will be a good fit?  How will he answer each school’s application essays?  Will he be accepted?  How will our finances impact his decision?

Our current Bible Study focus is “Anxiety,” and I chose that intentionally - not just for my own personal situation, but also because there is so much going on in the world that would cause even the calmest person to worry.  War and violence rage in places like Ukraine and Russia; Israel, Gaza and now Lebanon; civil war in Sudan and political divisions are high here within our borders as the November election nears (I don’t remember the rhetoric ever being so nasty). We have just seen the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and feel for the millions impacted by the storm, including those we know personally.  The economy is a big concern for people personally but also in our congregation as we try to maintain the financial stability of our church and school – and in the past few weeks we’ve had several parishioners be hospitalized.  All this doesn't even include our personal worries and conflicts which weigh on our hearts.  It's enough to raise our blood pressure and make us lose sleep.

Being a Christian doesn't exempt us from anxiety, fear and worry.  What being a Christian DOES is give us someone to take our anxieties, fears and worries to - Jesus.  Our anxieties may not disappear, but at least we know we don't carry them alone.   
There is an old hymn that sums this up pretty well:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear-
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged - take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge - take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

In our feelings of worry and chaos, we are not alone.  Jesus is with us, indeed, he has promised that he is with us always, carrying us through whatever storms we face.

In Christ,
Pastor Holliday