Sail into 2012 with hope!

Psalm 84 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. In fact, I'm making it my New Years Song!   As we all embark on 2012, there is so much uncertainty in the world. 

• In America, we have a vital election that could determine the course of our country.
• Possible European Economic Collapse
• Rampant unemployment
• Riots and Protesters everywhere
• Moral decline
• Nuclear weapons in the hands of radical Iran
• A rise in the persecution of Christians

 Wow, am I a purveyor of doom, or what?  Yet as we embark on this uncertain voyage across uncharted and dangerous waters, let's use Psalm 84 as our guide

My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God (Verse2)   In the midst of the storms, we have hope and joy because we know this is not our home. We are heading for glory!

Blessed  are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. (Verse 4)  No matter what's going on around you, stay on your Captain's ship and in His presence. Before long, you'll find yourself no longer worrying, but singing!

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Passing through the Valley of Weeping , they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills the pools with blessings. (Verses 5-6) Wow! Ever feel like there's nothing you can do to change things?  If you stay close to God, all you have to do is pass through the world and just your presence will cause springs of blessings to sprout up everywhere! Don't ever discount your influence on a fallen world!

They go from strength to strength, increasing in victorious power; each of them appears before God in Zion (verse 7)  So, on this journey not only will we have joy and singing, and the ability to change the world for better, but we ourselves will increase in victorious power with each stretch of sea we cross!!!

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows present grace and favor and future glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Verses 10-11)  I need not comment on this!! God will bless our journey and not hold back one good thing!

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You, leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving (Verse 12) 

The journey may be long. The seas may be rough, the clouds heavy and dark, but we can sail forward without an ounce of fear or misgiving!

Despite what comes our way, may the Lord greatly bless you in 2012 as you sail the waters with Him!