I am reflecting this morning on all the activity in my family and our church the last 30 days with amazement. It seems like we have had a year’s worth of life in the past few weeks. Joyful celebrations, sentimental milestones, tough decisions, endings, and promise of new beginnings.

Yet, in the midst of issues that are bigger than life to me, the problems of the nation and world continues. The Middle East is still in chaos, the world is at a vulnerable tipping point on nuclear weapons, and America can’t figure out how to keep children safe from murder at school.

I want to solve the problems of the world, but I am overwhelmed with the pressing tasks that life demands. Like never before, I need the Christian faith to center me, and give meaning to my existence.

“O Lord God, without the pardon of my sin
I cannot rest satisfied
Without the renovation of my nature by grace
I can never rest easy
Without the hope of heaven I can never be at peace
All this I have in thy Son Jesus
Blessed be His name.”
– Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers.

* Painting is Banks of the Seine, Vétheuil, 1880 by Claude Monet.