"None of us can prepare for 2024—if by “prepare” we mean to check off all the steps that can keep us from the mistakes and traumas of years past. That’s because no one knows what is out there ahead of us, waiting for us, in 2024. Here’s what you can do, though. You can prepare yourself to step into the mystery of whatever will be 2024. What I mean is that you can start to prepare yourself to be the kind of person who can handle it, whatever it is." - Russel Moore, Christianity Today

We were so blessed to have Danny Busch close out 2023 with a reflection on the last year. As we look towards the start of a new year tomorrow, the one thing we know for certain is that 2024 isn’t going to be any more uncertain than any other year. However, the kind of people we are, in the midst of whatever comes, can stay anchored no matter how choppy the water gets. We can stay stable no matter how shaky the ground becomes. As circumstances arise, the way we respond, react, and treat others can serve as a signpost to the One, to the reality of our Savior who provides that security. 

How do we do this? How do we become the people we want to be? People who live with the hope, courage, and confidence that we have an incarnate God, who is with us through all things? How do we practice the way of Jesus in and under His authority and follow the selfless sacrificial way of the Kingdom? 

As we learned this past year, this kind of transformation cannot be done in our own strength, by our own effort. It will take divine assistance. Pastor Danny shared a prayer that serves as a beautiful starting point for opening ourselves up to the reality that we can be who we want to be, by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Father, I give myself into your hands; do with me what you will. 

Whatever you may do, I thank you. 

Help me to be ready for all this year has for me, 

Help me to accept all that this year has for me. 

Let only your will be done in me, I wish no more than this. 

Into your hands, I commend my soul. 

I offer this to you with all the love of my heart, 

for I love you Lord and desire to give myself into your hands, without reservation, 

and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father. Amen. 

We invite you to pray this prayer, as often as led, to invite Holy Spirit in to guide and transform you to be the person you want to be.