It is a full and filled unfolding memorial, to ponder over the year that is closing, as the last hours, then minutes, tick away on the 31st, December. For 2017, as for other years, there will memories that evoke all types of emotions; some joyfully remembered, others with pain, anxiety and on it can go. But one thing is sure, for some, they will have found, their gain to be an enduring sense of light within the mind and soul, even when the body is sick, dying or being assaulted and traumatized, by outside human forces or nature events in turbulence and chaos. Jesus invited us to leave our ‘load’ with Him, and when I really believe His words, and give Him my ‘burden’ (over and over again, when I am taking up again) the peace and light that He gives, is profound, and great acceptance, along with restfulness comes.
Many times in scripture, we are encouraged to express our praise and gratitude (through all situations), and receive more and more blessings as a result. I have had many blessings, even amidst shock and trauma in 2017, for which I am thankful, but for now, I will use words from the Holy Scriptures to express my praises, in this talk/prayer. 1 Samuel 2; 1”And Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.’” These words, in themselves give the therapy for peace within, for how can we grouch or be afraid, when rejoicing, and exalting the Lord, along with smiling at our enemies, whom we have entrusted into Gods care? Habakkuk 3: 18, 19 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” With the love of God in his heart, it was possible to pen these words of praise and trust, out of great tragedy and hardship. I have found the same is true for me today, and I also rejoice. 1 Chronicles 16: 8. 9 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Verse 11 “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!”
When I am filled with God’s love, it is praises that find expression, by word and deed. Also I desire everyone else to be filled with the love of God and experience His blessings and ‘comforts’. 1 Timothy 3: 5 “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” It is my desire, that many family, friends, and other people, experience Jesus for themselves, and have their own praise and story to offer up to Him. 1 Peter 1: 3 ”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Verses 8, 9 “…..Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of Your faith-the salvation of your souls.”
Dear God, thank You for the gift of Jesus to this earth, and for sustaining Him, as He lived a sinless life and represented You before and during 3 years of ministry, then as He died at the hands of men, for whom He came to save. It all had been prophesied, and occurred as predicted. There are biblical prophesies that Jesus will return for His faithful followers. These prophecies appear to be being fulfilled more and more, and my hope is upon the soon coming of our Lord.
I on this last day of 2017, I pray come soon Lord Jesus.