Psalm 103
[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. [2] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies
Psalm 34
[1] I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 33
[1] Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
[21] For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.
1st Thessalonians 5
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In today’s fast-paced society we tend to leave God and His Son out of our lives. We concentrate more on self, what I want, what I need and we go after goals that are based on me, me, me. God is so far out of the picture that He is overlooked, never thought of and even rejected when we know that it is He that blesses us with everything that we have. Yet when a crisis comes up we run to Him expecting blessings and Him to work right now. We should always be in an attitude of gratitude all the day long giving glory and thanks to God for yet another day, for keeping us alive, for protecting us from all dangers. Somehow He has to get our attention. We are not listening. We are too busy doing our own thing when He is plainly telling us that time is winding down.
So all of a sudden this pandemic hits. The rug was snatched from under us. Our freedom was gone before we knew it. Our lives took on a whole new meaning as we stood by in shock and awe as the world was in dire straits. It seemed we were frozen in our tracks as time was passing us by. As people were getting sick and dying it seemed to draw our attention back to God.
What is this? Why is God allowing this to happen to us? We’ve never seen it on this level before. Did God send us a message telling us to get our house in order, get our priorities straight, make Him #1 again? This is the time to reflect on our lives and stay fully committed to Him. He wants to be loved, recognized, appreciated, adored. He wants us to spend time with Him, rely on Him, trust Him, to hear how awesome He is and He wants us to thank Him for everything. Sing praises unto Him.
Have a keen awareness of Him and let the rejoicing begin. See things from a new perspective then we will be more inclined to serve Him better. Appreciate the gift of life. Be more kind and considerate, go the extra mile. Give credit to where credit is due. Appreciate your child’s teacher. Parenting took on a whole new meaning for some of us. We literally had to be teacher, principal, nurse, P.E. teacher, cafeteria worker and janitor. When restaurants reopen, enjoy being there with the community. When we assemble in church being on one accord, smiling, singing praises, worshipping God with one heaven-bound motive, be thankful for the gift of congregation. Thank grocery clerks, truck drivers for our supplies and healthcare workers for putting themselves on the line.
And thank God for the lessons, the challenges and the hardships that we had to endure during this pandemic. He opened our eyes, forgave our sins and gave us another chance. Therefore, Psalm 145:
[1] I will extol Thee, my God, O king; and I will bless Thy name for ever and ever. [2] Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever. [3] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. [4] One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts. [5] I will speak of the glorious honour of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous works. [9] The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. [10] All thy works shall praise Thee, O LORD; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. [11] They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; [12] To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. [17] The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works. [18] The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. [19] He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. [21] My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever.
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