Welcome to the
North Wiltshire Methodist Circuit
Dear friends,
As January
unfolds, many of us grow weary of the dark, damp days that seem to stretch
endlessly. Yet even the coldest winter holds a promise—tiny snowdrops are about
to bloom, hinting at the newness to come. It’s a gentle reminder: fresh starts
are never far away. There’s wisdom in the saying, “Even in the depths of
winter, an unstoppable summer always awaits.” That hopeful anticipation is a
gift in itself.
Waiting,
however, isn’t easy—especially in a world where everything feels instant. Our
lives move at lightning speed: a quick message, a tap to stream hundreds of TV
channels, shopping at the push of a button. So much can happen in seconds! It’s
natural to want our prayers answered just as rapidly, yet sometimes God’s reply
is simply: “Wait.”
This tension
between longing and patience is nothing new. King David wrote honestly about it
in the Psalms. In Psalm 130, feeling overwhelmed, David cried out, “Out of the
depths I cry to you, Lord.” But in those difficult moments, he found strength
in remembering God’s forgiveness and faithfulness (see verses 4 and 7). David
compares himself to a night watchman waiting for the first rays of dawn—a vivid
image of hope rising, even in the darkness.
We can all
relate to seasons when God seems silent or distant. It’s tough to believe He’s
at work when our circumstances don’t change. Yet, the Psalmist reassures us:
while we wait, God is working in us, on us, and for us. Waiting is never wasted
when it’s held in God’s hands.
Our hope is
anchored in Jesus—His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Christ’s love is so powerful that it reached into history to save and restore,
and it’s just as alive and present today. You are always on His mind, never
forgotten. He’s working things out for your good, even when you can’t see it.
So, as this
New Year begins, may you sense God’s presence sustaining and guiding you. If
you’re faced with waiting, don’t lose heart. Remember: Spring is coming, hope
is growing, and God’s love for you is unchanging. Trust Him to bring new
opportunities, joy and peace in the months ahead.
Wishing you a
year filled with renewed hope, deep peace, and the unwavering assurance that
God is with you—now and always.
Blessings
Andrew (Bird)
Welcome to the
North Wiltshire Methodist Circuit
Dear friends,
As January unfolds, many of us grow weary of the dark, damp days that seem to stretch endlessly. Yet even the coldest winter holds a promise—tiny snowdrops are about to bloom, hinting at the newness to come. It’s a gentle reminder: fresh starts are never far away. There’s wisdom in the saying, “Even in the depths of winter, an unstoppable summer always awaits.” That hopeful anticipation is a gift in itself.
Waiting, however, isn’t easy—especially in a world where everything feels instant. Our lives move at lightning speed: a quick message, a tap to stream hundreds of TV channels, shopping at the push of a button. So much can happen in seconds! It’s natural to want our prayers answered just as rapidly, yet sometimes God’s reply is simply: “Wait.”
This tension between longing and patience is nothing new. King David wrote honestly about it in the Psalms. In Psalm 130, feeling overwhelmed, David cried out, “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord.” But in those difficult moments, he found strength in remembering God’s forgiveness and faithfulness (see verses 4 and 7). David compares himself to a night watchman waiting for the first rays of dawn—a vivid image of hope rising, even in the darkness.
We can all relate to seasons when God seems silent or distant. It’s tough to believe He’s at work when our circumstances don’t change. Yet, the Psalmist reassures us: while we wait, God is working in us, on us, and for us. Waiting is never wasted when it’s held in God’s hands.
Our hope is anchored in Jesus—His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. Christ’s love is so powerful that it reached into history to save and restore, and it’s just as alive and present today. You are always on His mind, never forgotten. He’s working things out for your good, even when you can’t see it.
So, as this New Year begins, may you sense God’s presence sustaining and guiding you. If you’re faced with waiting, don’t lose heart. Remember: Spring is coming, hope is growing, and God’s love for you is unchanging. Trust Him to bring new opportunities, joy and peace in the months ahead.
Wishing you a year filled with renewed hope, deep peace, and the unwavering assurance that God is with you—now and always.
Blessings
Andrew (Bird)