Count your blessings
In these days and times of uncertainties, it is easy to be anxious, worried and stressed. But I wish to tell you that the God we serve sees all, knows all, and is everywhere at the same time.
He is a God who will put no more on us than we are able to bare. God knew the days we are experiencing now were going to be before the beginning of time. I know things are not like we would have them to be, but let us be real to some degree in this world.
Our nation is reaping what it has sown. However, the point that I want to make is the fact that through all of this, we are still blessed and highly favored. Why? Because we are children of the most high God, covered by the blood of Jesus, and in the family of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we are victors and not victims.
We must hold our heads up and give God praise for He is large and in charge and will have the last word over our lives. It is God’s grace, love, and mercy that will get us through any and all things that come against us in this ever changing world. We can rejoice, and boast in Christ for we are triumphant in all things.
St. Paul said we have the hope in the glory of God. St. Peter calls it a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a hope that has stood the test of time. It is a hope that never fails.
Paul says that we glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation renders patience. Patience is the quiet endurance of what we cannot remove whether it be the promised of something good, or the continued experience of some illness, injustice, or pain as we are experiencing now. Then from patience comes experience, or proof.
Personally, I can look back on my life and see God’s hand on me even in my most difficult times. He has taken care of me and my family. What the devil meant for my defeat, God turned it into my victory. Most important of all, our trials and tribulations lead to patience, patience that builds godly character within us.
As for me, I know that it has not been the good times, the easy days that have made me a better person. Rather, it has been those days when I have suffered, been mistreated and misunderstood, and had to pray continually that made me a better person.
Jesus encouraged his disciples by telling them: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Matthew 16:33). So don’t worry, be happy. As the songster writes: “Count your blessings daily naming them one by one; count your blessings and see what the Lord has done.”
Each morning’s awakening is a true blessing, and we are blessed to have food, water, and shelter. When I might want to complain, I can always look and see someone else doing much worse. Finally, we must fight this COVID-19 virus and all the many things dividing our country through prayer and supplication.
Be mindful that our children need us and are watching us. Trust God that better days are coming.