A Word From the Pastor (September 2009)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge the Lord
and the Lord shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the last few days, my family and I experienced the sights and sounds, the geography and the history, of Gettysburg, PA. In general, during our travels, I was the driver, and my husband, Porter, was the navigator. On more than one occasion I said to him, "Just tell me which way to go." "Just tell me where to turn." "Tell me what to do now." I relied on Porter to direct my path, to provide necessary instruction and information so that we didn't lose our way. Sometimes our travels progressed smoothly. Sometimes, I was a little stressed, and we got a little lost.

This summer, as a number of us studied the Book of Proverbs, we were reminded again and again of the necessity of relying on the Lord. We heard that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, the beginning of all wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7a, 2:6) Proverbs boldly declares that the creator of heaven and earth is the source of all truth. Proverbs is written in part as a book of instruction from a father to his son. At the heart of that word of instruction is the message that wisdom rests in turning to God listening to God, heeding God, and trusting completely in God's word.

Too often you and I seek guidance for our lives from earthly resources without ever reaching out to the One who holds all our futures in his hands. Too often we rely on very limited, human experts or consultants without really consulting with the One who is infinite, omnipotent, all-knowing. We put our trust in mortal knowledge. We turn to reputed specialists. We depend on science and technology to pave the way for the future. We lean on human understanding, depend on human means, while neglecting the One whose knowledge and wisdom are unfathomable, unshakable, and utterly dependable.

As fall approaches and the schedule of work and school resumes, as the lazy days of summer fade into memory and the challenges of daily living move into higher gear, may you remember the Lord and his infinite wisdom. May you resist the temptation to look for answers from inadequate sources, and instead seek God's leading, God's wisdom and will, in all that you do. May you lean, not on your own understanding, but on the eternal word and everlasting arms of a trustworthy God.

My husband is a competent navigator when seeking the right road on a vacation journey, but as I move through this world, through this life, I would be lost, hopelessly lost, if God were not my guide, if I did not put my trust in the One who is the creator of all and source of all knowledge. Go with God this fall and always, trusting in the Lord who promises to direct your path.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Peggy Ann Sauerhoff