Thoughts from DS Olivia

Sometimes we can begin to feel hopeless. Political turmoil, war, trouble in our families, an illness a loved one or we face can all become overwhelming. It can feel like the world is ending. Famously, Martin Luther was once asked what he would do if the world was going to end tomorrow. He replied, "I would plant an apple tree today." There is defiant hope in the idea of planting a tree in the midst of the chaos of our world and lives. Maybe you are thinking about literally planting one as a way to bring beauty, fruit, and good stewardship of creation to life in your yard or your church. Or maybe you are thinking of a metaphorical tree--planting our lives in Jesus, sowing seeds of peace and justice in our neighborhoods or workplaces, or cultivating new life in our churches and families is all hopeful work.

Jeremiah writes to the people of God who have been consistently worshipping idols, trusting in the wrong people and things, and giving their time and energy to what leads them down a path of sin. It can be depressing to read this prophet's words! It can also be depressing to look at the world and our own lives and see many of the same problems. But the Lord says through Jeremiah, "Happy are those who trust in the Lord, who rely on the Lord. They will be like trees planted by the streams, whose roots reach down to the water. They won’t fear drought when it comes; their leaves will remain green.

They won’t be stressed in the time of drought or fail to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8.

My prayer is that we will be people of hope, who bravely plant a tree and plant ourselves in the midst of the brokenness, uncertainty, and pain of this life. How do we do this? By trusting in the Lord. By relying on the Lord. This newsletter has a variety of ways to help all of us continue to trust and rely on the Lord. When we trust our good God we will be people of true hope no matter what we face!

Pastor Olivia