⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8

 I’m worried about our country… about who we will elect for President… not thrilled with either choice as it now appears!

I’m worried about our churches… the reality that more are getting smaller and thinking about closing… the reality that the polarization of our culture seems to have effected the ability of our churches to work with those who don’t believe like them around issues of human sexuality… the difficulty of finding people called/willing to serve small, rural congregations… the growing number of people who are non-religious or who have been turned off by church!

I’m worried about our world… The soon to be three-year long war in Ukraine… the war between Israel and Hamas… the alliance between Russia and North Korea… Global warming and the seemingly more dramatic storms and climate events…

Where does one find peace!

Today I am blessed to be sitting in a beautiful little cabin on the shore of Abram’s Pond in central Maine sharing time away with my wife and in-laws.

Sunday I will once again have the privilege of opening God’s word to a wonderful congregation of people who have covenanted to live a Christian life together.

Next week, I will have the privilege of meeting with friends and colleagues engage in ministry literally all around the world.

The following week, as I drive to meet with a pastor who wants to have his ordination recognized by ABC and to meet with other colleagues in ministry, I will once again get to drive through the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

This week I will get to spend time with family members who have known and loved me my entire life and still care about me.

Last night I filled my belly with bratwurst and fried potatoes!

I get to eat ice cream and ride my motorcycle.

I have a great dog who is pouting because I’m not home right now.

…….

I am worried about the world… but I have a God who loves me and has blessed me far beyond the things I have to worry about. And given God’s love for us… no matter what the results of these other things I have to worry about… it will probably all work out in the end. In fact, we have God’s Word on that.

Prayer

 Oh God, help me to hand over my few worries to you and to dwell upon all that is good, pleasant and joyful in my life and in our world. Amen.

By Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran

Executive Minister

American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains