The Hope of Change

Beginnings! They offer the hope of change. Now that the rush of organizing the new school year is over, pause before the new year’s rhythm sets is. “What do you want?” Jesus asked this question of his first disciples and it is a good one to let him ask us? “What do you hope for yourself in this coming year? What do you hope for your children?” Of course you want good things but they don’t come about by drifting. Real change needs a decision, some practical planning and the belief that God is on our side.

At times, our lives can be messy, confused and difficult and we can feel that God is remote or has abandoned us. But maybe our expectations for change may be unrealistic. God is not does not act like a fairy godmother using magic to take away our challenges but rather works through our situations with us. That is why it is important for us to think, to dream, to hope for change. When we are clearer about what we want, we can give God the room to move in our lives.

Loving God, your desire for us is the fullness of love and life. As we begin this year, may we hear Jesus ask us “What do you want?” Give us the wisdom of your Spirit as we sift the desires of our hearts. May the Spirit strengthen and guide us to changes. We ask this in Jesus name, confident that you will hear us.