As I write this, the new year (2009) has just begun.  I hope to make it a good year and I am sure all of you who read this feel the same way.  2008 has been pretty rough for a lot of people.  As we were singing the other night and also reflecting on the challenges of 2008 and what the coming year might bring, I was thinking about a particular passage from the psalms.  Psalm 23 (right or wrong) is so often associated with funerals and is meant to bring encouragement but (more often than not) it brings sad thoughts to mind.  I would contend that it should be just the opposite.  If you are a christian and have fear and anxiety about your future, for the coming year and beyond, think about praying Psalm 23.  It is a powerful prayer of both thanks/praise and encouragement for tomorrow because God is always watching over you, keeping you safe, preparing you for whatever tomorrow brings.  This does not mean our lives will ever be perfect here on earth; but no matter the circumstance, we can look to God and know he is, The Wonderful Counselor, The Everlasting Father, The Mighty God, and The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)  As we begin this new year, lets begin to look at this Psalm in a different light...Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)       The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.         [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures,     he leads me beside quiet waters,         [3] he restores my soul.     He guides me in paths of righteousness         for his name's sake.     [4] Even though I walk         through the valley of the shadow of death,     I will fear no evil,         for you are with me;     your rod and your staff,         they comfort me.       [5] You prepare a table before me         in the presence of my enemies.     You anoint my head with oil;         my cup overflows.     [6] Surely goodness and love will follow me         all the days of my life,     and I will dwell in the house of the Lord         forever.   Dave Luttrell 1/2/2009 ************************************************