Analysis Paralysis
Time markers.
The year is finally winding down. Many of us reflect on the past year and begin to contemplate the coming year. Where did the past go wrong, what corrections are needed for the future? What affected me that I had no control over? What can I control to effect a change? If you are even a bit like me, the weight of the contemplation, calculation, and realization heavily drag down to inaction: settling for procrastination all the while dreaming of perfection.
The insecurities: the dread of letting someone down, the fear of letting one’s self down, the daunting anticipation of the perceived cost that will ultimately come due. The spiraling introspection that leads deeper and deeper into self. Then approaches another time marker and a new round of reflection and contemplation.
We desire Moses’ burning bush experience; we’d settle for Gideon’s fleece. However, we are given Ahaz’s sign, and we say with Ahaz: “I will not put God to the test.” (Isaiah 7:10-14) Immanuel, God with us. I have my insecurities and fears, I also have my Savior who is greater than my fears. As much as I “know” this, I still have to hear it from outside of my inner monologue. To that end, I invite you to attend with me, Hope’s final worship service of 2021, December 31 at 7:00 pm. Come, confess your fear, receive absolution, declare your faith, hear the proclaimation of the Good News, partake in the Lord’s Supper given for the forgivness of all your sins.
Do not reflect on this invitation, act on it! Mark the end of the time of the old year and the beginning of the new. And, there is always Sunday…
Trust the Promises (in spite of what you think)
Steve Skiver