In Psalm 16, King David reflects on God’s goodness and preservation amidst the nations that defy God and look to thwart God’s purposes. In verse 5 he speaks of the LORD being his “portion” or his provision. His “cup” being a way of referring to his destiny. And finally, the One who holds his “lot” or his “lot in life” referring to his source of security. Provision, destiny and security. Looking back over the past decades of Emmanuel’s history we can see the faithfulness of our promise keeping LORD providing for and preserving His church. Providing godly pastors and men and women of Gospel vision. We look back in the last few years to God’s preserving grace through the chaos of COVID.
We look back at His provision for two church plants that continue to thrive by God’s grace reaching more people than could fit into our building! We reflect in gratitude to our many baptisms and new members. We thank God for sending us a godly man like Pastor Mitch to be such a capable associate for me in ministry and blessing to our entire congregation. We look forward to his upcoming ministry as our future lead pastor. God has faithfully provided and faithfully led our church into the future and is a well – proven help in troubling times.
We look around at a world seemingly coming apart and realize that this is the impression Satan would love for us to have to keep us gripped by fear. News media has always been subject to Satan’s fear mongering agenda. Psalm 16 reminds us that our future in Christ is secure and that God holds His church as the “apple of His eye.” (Psalm 17:8) We are eternally secure “under His wings." May God grant us courage to persevere, vision to look to the future with hope and Gospel purpose, and the security we need to rest in Him amid a world held captive to fear.