In just a few minutes our band is going to be together before we step into tonight at the University of Maryland. As I’m sitting here, I’m filled with a belief that God is going to use tonight in amazing ways. But I’m also aware that so many are going through a tough time. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the pressure of the economy, midterms, family stress or illness. These seem to be days that leave all of us looking for hope and help.

All week long, we’ve been meditating on the simple words of Psalm 146 before the services. It’s what our worship team is going to focus on in just a few minutes. How amazing – we have help and we have hope. The Lord our God, the God of Jacob. Stunning, really. We don’t need to look to the circumstances of life – we look to the God who painted the heavens. He’s alive and well. His name is Jesus. He knows us. He’s for us. He loves us.

He’s hope. He’s help.

For you. For me. For UMD tonight.