Christ Our Anchor is an Anglican mission in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on restoring relationships with God and neighbor through worship and work.

Join us Wednesday evenings in East Nashville at 530 for a time of fellowship, followed by evening prayer at 630.

Everyone is welcome.

You can learn more about providing paid work for the glory of God’s kingdom by visiting us at ChristOurAnchor.org.

Let us pray.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.

Amen.

So today we find ourselves in a bit of a tricky situation.

Usually I preach on the gospel lesson, if you haven’t noticed, but since we were visiting with our friends at St.

Andrew’s on Sunday, I’ve already done that, and that would be very boring to preach that once again.

But thankfully, the church provides us with many readings, and St.

Paul’s letter to the Romans can almost preach itself.

With such a beautiful reading, it was tempting just to read Paul again and just leave it at that.

But a few things did come to my mind as I read the passage this morning.

In my travels around town building relationships and looking for jobs and mentors, I have found many disappointments.

In many places, people have failed, and institutions that are supposed to help those in need look the other way or hide behind bureaucracy.

Even Christians who confess a special concern for those in need look the other way or claim busyness.

And it’s easy to get down, to get angry, to get frustrated in this city, especially when you just need a little help or just need someone to actually listen or just need someone to give you a chance.

But thankfully, in a world of disappointment, God never does.

He’s faithful, beginning to end.

He’s working for us, even when we don’t see it.

In my frustration and anger, especially over the last several months, God has delivered time and time again.

When I had exhausted my resources, when everyone else had said no or ignored me, God made miracles happen.

And that is the good news I want y’all to hear today.

Our God is with us always.

Nothing can separate us from his love.

Nothing.

Nothing we can do.

Nothing we can say.

Not a single thing.

We are his children, and he loves us.

Full stop.

So next time you’re in a dark place, remember that it’s only you who puts distance between you and God.

God has never left, and he never will.

He’s always beside you, even in the most frustrating situations.

Even when you’re being ignored, he sees you.

He loves you.

And even when it feels like nothing is happening, trust that he is on the move.

He is working in his own time and in his own way.

Trust him and stay close to his love.

In a world of disappointment and frustration, he is all we truly have.

Jesus is Lord, and we are his people.

Nothing and no one can change that.

So we can stand with our head held high as an heir of God’s eternal kingdom.

God loves you.

You are redeemed.

So we can go forth, out into the dark world, full of his peace, proclaiming the good news of his life, death, and resurrection.

In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, amen.