Dear faithful servants of Christ,
Your life as a Christian is a calling to serve, whether in your home, congregation, or community. In a world that often pulls us toward doubt and distraction, or amid challenges—cultural pressures, or personal weariness—Psalm 1 offers a timeless reminder of the strength and joy found in being rooted in God’s Word.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night,” (Ps. 1:1-2, ESV).
As a baptized child of God, you are called to stand apart, not swayed by the world’s fleeting wisdom but anchored in the eternal truth of Scripture. Your delight in God’s Word is not just a duty—it’s your lifeline. In preparing for and living out everyday life, you immerse yourselves in the life-giving promises of God. This is no small thing. Your meditation on His Word shapes not only your daily life in this world but your soul, grounding you in the grace that flows from Christ’s cross.
The psalmist continues, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither,” (Ps. 1:3, ESV).
Picture a tree, strong and vibrant, drawing life from a constant stream. That stream is Christ, the living water who sustains you through His Word and Sacraments. In a culture that can feel dry and hostile, you are planted by this divine source. Your acts of service—volunteering at church, caring for your family, or showing kindness to others—bear fruit in God’s time. Even when results aren’t immediate, trust that the Holy Spirit is working through you, spreading faith, hope, and love.
The Word of Christ stands as a beacon in a confused world. Yet, living as a faithful Christian can bring challenges—skepticism from others, personal struggles, or moments of weariness. Take heart in Psalm 1’s promise: “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,” (Ps. 1:6a, ESV). God sees your faithfulness. He knows every prayer, every act of service, every moment you strive to live for Him. Your efforts, rooted in Christ, are never in vain.
So, dear Christians, take heart. Meditate on the Word. Draw from the stream of Christ’s grace. Trust that your labor, rooted in Him, will bear fruit that endures. You are not alone—God is with you, and your brothers and sisters in Christ stand alongside you. Keep delighting in His law, for in it you find the strength to serve, the joy to endure, and the hope of eternal life.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Brian K. Thieme
2nd Vice President, Missouri District