God Notions

The season is here. The season of gratitude, love, thoughtfulness, kindness, giving and receiving. I love this time of year, even creation seems to give a sigh of relief and enjoys an all too brief time of peace.

We remember our blessings especially at this time of year and we do have so much to be thankful for: as a nation, a community, as family and with friends. We remember all God has done for us: protected, provided and comforted us.

This week Psalm 116 was brought to my attention and it caused me to stop and pause to truly reflect on not only what God has done for me but WHO He is and How He is…with me, with you, if we allow Him.

Psalm 116

… Because He turned His ear to me…

I am convinced that when we call out to Him, whether in anguish or joy He stops, and hears. He comes close and enters our place. He is interested, He is concerned and He is waiting for an invitation to be involved.

… when I was in great need, He saved me…

In the darkest of circumstances, in our most uncertain times, He is present. He is our firm foundation and comfort, even in the silence.

For You, O LORD have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling

From eternal death we are saved, by the blood of Jesus Christ, Amen! But, even more, we are not left as orphans in this world. He has given us His Holy Spirit to teach and guide us. We have His holy living scripture, passed down through the ages, that teaches us who He is and how to live. He shows us how to make wise choices and encourages us to use our brains to think, reason and seek truth.

…You have freed me from my chains.

Free are we from death. Who can stand against us if Christ is for us?

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints

In losing a loved one recently and though my world was falling apart, in looking back, I am now fully aware of God’s presence and care. I did feel His comfort, but what I witnessed more was His comfort and care of my dying loved one.

I can look back and see how God was in the details of comfort and peace…His Peace, and Love for my loved one…His loved one.

Holy Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth

You are beyond my thoughts and still, You stop to hear mine.

You know me and give more than I deserve.

How can I thank you? How can I show my gratitude?

…I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord.

 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord—
in your midst…