"Well, I’m Back"

The last lines of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King delivered by Samwise Gamgee always carried so much weight. A mix of finality and of fresh beginnings. I would say I felt the same mix of feelings on my first Sunday back at my home church. Celebrating the church family that I have known for the majority of my life, while continuing to grieve the loss of New City and her ministry to south Palm Bay. In many ways it was a freeing experience to gather and help lead worship with God’s people this Sunday.

This morning we sang a song that was new to me by CityAlight called “His Glory and My Good”. The second verse and the chorus struck me during rehearsal earlier this week:

There is hope in every trial

For I can trust the Lord

He will turn my heart towards Him

And help me bear the thorn

So in faith I follow Jesus

On the road not understood

For I know that He is working

For His glory and my good

To our God be the glory

To our God be praise

He alone, the name above all names

I will boast ever only in the Lord my God

For I know His glory is my good

God is working all things for His glory and my good, even when I may not understand what may be next. My time at New City was used for God’s glory and to grow His church, and right now He is preparing me for whatever is next. It will be a season of waiting, and in all probability many questions, but I feel ready for that next chapter. This is a new year, but he is the same God!

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever"^[1]