A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers   

Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Perhaps you remember it as I do. In April 1986 a Chicago television station planned a spectacular live program. Before the television cameras they would unseal Al Capone’s secret vault beneath Chicago’s Lexington Hotel. It was thought to contain money, diamonds, and other riches. Geraldo Rivera hosted the two-hour show. Tension and high expectations mounted as ballistic experts blasted through the walls. The IRS had agents on site claiming Capone still owed $80,000 in back taxes. The police were there. Finally the vault was opened before a world-wide audience. To everyone’s amazement the secret vault of Al Capone contained . . . two empty gin bottles. Think of it. The weeks of hype. The high priced advertisement spots sold. All of the hyperbole generated by Rivera and his associates produced two empty gin bottles. Listen friend, this world is replete with disappointments. Perhaps you’re dealing with yours today. No, it may not be a secret vault that promised hidden treasure, but it’s disappointing nonetheless. A marriage that promised love and security has fallen upon difficult times. A career that began with hope and excitement has now dwindled into a mundane routine, day in and day out. Children that as they grew seemed to be headed toward a bright future but now in their teen years have detoured down the wrong path. On and on it goes. Failing health, financial struggles, and legal woes— all hid in the secret vault of your life. Where can we turn with our disappointments, and to whom can we go when others have let us down. Notice our Scripture lesson today. Jeremiah the prophet reminds us that we can always trust the Lord. Now initially, that statement sounds like an empty phrase from just another preacher. But I have just one question—have you actually tried trusting Him? Unlike Geraldo’s fiasco in ’86, this is not a gimmick. All I’m asking is that right now, no matter what issues you are facing put all of your faith and trust in One who will never fail you or disappoint you but is always faithful for this and each new day.