Psalm 106:1-5
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment