by Sue Whitlock, Airedale Church

AS we leave the old year and enter the new, what are your thoughts? Will it be a good year for yourself and our town? Do you have hope for a good future?

Sometimes life can feel quite hopeless and uncertain and insecurity can seem to take over.

Even when we try really hard in life and do the best we can, we can still miss the mark and feel defeated and overcome by difficulties. We may not see our future too brightly.

Like many people, I have felt hopeless at times in my life and very uncertain of the future. But when I started to learn about God's love for me, that he actually has good planned and hope (a certain expectation of good) for my future, I could see my future in a different light.

That's what I believe God wants for each one of us and Keighley town.

No matter what your circumstance or situation, there is an answer.

My prayer is that this new year will be a year of peace, joy and hope for this town and the people in it. That every situation or circumstance we face we will discover hope and the hope giver Jesus.

I pray that you will know how much God loves you and the good he has put inside you, even if it seems buried at the moment. And that Keighley will be a blessed town full of blessed people – that includes you.