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Wisdom for the New Year

  Across the spiritual landscape of the United States of America, researchers that specialize on issues related to 𠇌hurch and culture” state that the most concerning issues facing the American Church in 2026 involve a significant decline in worship attendance and membership, the challenge of engaging younger generations and internal struggles with political polarization and authenticity. 

  I would agree and say that those are challenges that we also face right here in mid-Michigan.  Most churches are getting smaller. Some are closing. Most families are incredibly busy, by their own admission, with work and taking care of their children and home, as well as managing their school, sports, dance and extracurricular activities. And, as America is divided politically and the dialogue is often charged with animosity, those of us who are members of the local church are sensing the challenge of being united in our faith while holding contrasting political viewpoints.

  These issues are real, and they will not be resolved any time soon. No single idea or ministry program or cutting-edge initiative will resolve these. And yet, this is the reality among our people, here in our place, and at this time. And we are the people whom God has called to listen, learn, and love others in the midst of these challenging times for the sake of families, churches and community. 

  King Solomon, when he inherited the throne of his father, David, faced daunting challenges in his day as well; a growing population, border disputes, neighboring nations wanting to go to war, idol worship, and family dysfunction. So Solomon, understanding the culture of his day and his inability to solve any of these issues on his own, went to the Lord with a simple prayer. In humility, he asked the Lord for wisdom. “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:7-9 (NIV) 

  Solomon did not ask God to take away the problems, resolve his issues, or set him free from his pain. Instead, he asked for the wisdom to lead, guide, instruct, and care for the Kingdom entrusted to him.  We would do well to learn from King Solomon’s example when we face challenges in the New Year!

  Yes, we believe in a God who does listen to us and who answers our prayers for miraculous intervention; to change the course of the Christian Church on earth, to help families pass on that legacy of Christian faith to the next generation, and to unite all of God’s people under the banner of the grace and truth of Jesus. However, we also pray that “God’s will be done” among us, and trust that God will see us through no matter the challenging season.

  In the New Year, there will be times when God will take away the problem or alter the situation for you. There will also be other times when God will prepare you to meet the challenge and endure the pain and problems before you. My prayer for you and for me and for our churches and community is that, like King Solomon, we would seek the wisdom of our Lord to lead and guide our decisions in the New Year and how we respond to all of those challenges that we will undoubtedly face. 

  Lord God, Heavenly Father, please grant us Your wisdom and guide us by Your Word as we live and love, learn and work, study and serve, and witness to others the difference You have made in our lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

  May God be with us and bless us in the New Year!