New Year Greetings

January 1, 2021 | Ed Scharringa

Today, 2020 is behind us. To say it was a year that one could never have predicted is an understatement. Still, one constant that remained throughout the year was the way God has carried us through many of the difficulties and uncertainties that so many felt.

As I was reading Psalm 91 a few days ago, it reminded me that this beautiful psalm offers us a guide to understanding the promise of God’s protection. The Psalm opens with these words:

              Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
                            will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
                            my God, in whom I trust.”

Knowing we serve a sovereign and omnipotent God gives us comfort, even as we look ahead to 2021 and the issues that continue to cause concern. How can we best maintain protection and safety for our migrant labour force? What other regulation changes are coming that may affect farmland and the environment? What will business risk management programs look like for future downturns? What unintended costs may hit farmers as a result of new carbon tax legislation? How can we strengthen our food safety and supply chain systems? How can we as farmers stay positive and connected with our neighbours in these challenging times?

These questions seem daunting, but I believe that, as 2021 unfolds before us, we will meet these challenges, rise to opportunities and build up our communities despite the challenges of the pandemic.

In tough times, we remember that God cares about each of us individually. We remember the care God took in creating each of us. Our Father in Heaven knows the prayer of our hearts better than we do ourselves. The words of Psalm 91 can be our continual prayer, as we seek the care, strength and hope that God’s love provides.

May 2021 be a year of new blessings and promise to all. Happy New Year.

Ed Scharringa is Board of Directors President of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKXS Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and CHLP Listowel.