I’ve been asked several times “how do you do that?” How you always try and put a positive spend even when you are having a bad day. Well on this Blessed Friday I’m going to let you in on a little secret. First thing is first- I put a praise on EVERYTHING and I thank God in EVERY situation: the good, the bad, the ugly and all the way in between.
It’s easy to give up when things don’t go our way. It’s easy to throw in the towel when we have had enough. It’s easy to pout, cry, curse, and say the heck with it- lets be honest we have all been there BUT ask yourself where is the glory in that??!! You see I learned the formula to maintain “this.” It started with trusting in God. Before entering into any relationship you have to look at the key factors in a relationship: trust, honesty, understanding, love, respect, patience, affirmations, etc. Sounds like what you look for in a man or a woman right?
I had to learn to love God and love Whitnee’ before I ever knew what love with a man was. God is love so if I don’t know Him; how can I know love. So many people say “I’m in love” but haven’t accepted the fact Jesus died on that cross for you and I. If you don’t feel worthy of God’s undying love, how can you think mere man or woman loves you- when God created them?
The Bible tells us to cast our fears to Him because He cares for you.
Why do we take our issues to man and leave them there? Does man have a magic wand? Or a genie in a bottle? Or a magic potion? I mean I have a good sense of imagination but I don’t ever recall seeing an “abracadabra” trick that didn’t plant you right in the middle of Bull Street before? That’s a joke for my old heads in SC- you know what I’m talking about when I say Bull Street.
Psalm 102 is titled: The Lord’s Eternal Love- A Prayer of the afflicted. When he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.
Growing up daddy said, “stop complaining because nobody really wants to hear it and no one really cares- but God does.” I thought he was being sarcastic but in my day I’ve found that statement to be very truthful. And if you find a person who truly, genuinely cares- again I ask how can they solve your problems? Sure they can pray for you but what’s wrong with your words, your thoughts, your prayers?
So often people think they have to sound like Professor Clump to God. Ummm NO!!!! I talk to God as plainly as I talk to you because He knows my heart anyway. He knows when I’m at a crossroads and don’t know which way to turn- He encourages me to look up and keep my eye on the prize. He encourages me to not give up and not to give in. He encourages me to read His word. He’s never failed me. Where man lies God does not, HE CANNOT LIE!
So when I call him my first love I MEAN IT- He is my all and all. Years ago I heard a powerful message by this beautiful young lady by the name of Ms. Rembert- she spoke on the Great Commission. It was thought provoking yet simple enough for someone of all ages and skill set to understand. I mean I admit I’m not the “sharpest tool” in the shed but I understood what she was saying. It made me realize what my God-given task was in plain sight. Her message inspired me to always give God the glory through written word even when times are tough.
Seems like times got tougher when I started writing but I know it’s because the enemy don’t like me. It’s ok devil- we don’t have to be friends BUT you will obey my God and you will obey the God in me. You see I have the help of my friend the Holy Spirit that helps me during trying times.
Alicia Keys has a song that says “love looks better on you.” Well how the help of the Holy Spirit works, it helps me be mindful and conscientious of how I act or respond to things. Cursing, fighting, drinking, smoking, fooling around might be for you but it definitely doesn’t look good on me. So I write! As I pray, I write. It’s my outlet BUT God didn’t want me to be selfish so in my time with the Lord and studying His word it’s rejuvenating to put a personal spin on things.
Lately SO MUCH is going on but it’s not just in my life- it’s everywhere on every corner, in every household, every precinct, every hospital, every school, every nursing home, every church, and with every breath.
We are the generation that Psalm 102:18 is talking about. It’s our duty to PUT A PRAISE ON IT! It’s our duty to give it to God! It’s our duty to trust God in the dark. Though we may not see Him; we know He is there.
We are still here for a purpose; His purpose. Our test has a testimony in the end. Our story has an ending that ends in God’s victory. We are walking in God’s victory. He has already won this battle! The Bible said GOD HAS PLANS FOR US! The plan of man is short lived but God’s plans stand FOREVER! His plans stand through the sunshine and the rain, the aches and the pains, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, and the list goes on.
On my worst days I cling to Christ. Psalm 103:13-14 says, As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
So in other words it is confirmation that God knows how much we can bear and He helps us before we get to our breaking point. One could say God’s love looks good on us; our glow is from God’s light. It’s like Cherise, Mrs. Kathyrn, Kelly, Faith, Brittney, Ms. Rhonda, Teri, Ms. Loretta, Quinn, Tatiana, Ms. Samuel, Ms. Onnie, Anna, Deanna, Tonya, Vonda, Jamika, Dominique, Maddie, Mindy, Brenda, Ms. Finch, Laqwanda, Ms. Valeria, Ms. Valerie, Angela, Ms. Chrissy, Tonya, Ms. Jessie, Courtney, and the list goes on. Despite what they face as mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and all the other hats they wear as women; they all shine God’s light through their praise so beautifully. Even as they share with each other and it seems like the road is so hard- they put their trust in God. They cast their fears on God because these sisters know that God cares for them.
Psalm 103:1 reads: Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Psalm 106:3 reads: Blessed are those who keep justice, and be who does righteousness at all times!
You may be down right now, you might feel like you are between a rock and a hard place; remember God is your rock and He knows all about it. Remember He is a God after our heart so we should praise Him at all times. Being a blessing to others; God blesses us. When we pray for others God cares for us. When we wipe the tears of our neighbors; God wipes ours. When we sow good seeds; God is faithful and He stands by His word.
Praise the Lord!
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?
Psalm 106:1-2
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
This morning I ask you to join me and cry out to the Lord. Lord help us to see that this setback or whatever we are facing is a blessing in disguise. Lord help us to remain in prayer and keep the faith. Lord help us to focus on You and your grace. Lord help us to call upon Your Holy name to be rescued.
Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
Psalm 108:12
Lord it is my prayer all those under the reading of today’s message and those who have a desire to seek Your face in times such as these that they may be secured in knowing they can take all their needs to You in prayer because You care for us. It is my prayer that we all know You personally, intimately, and that we know Your will is perfect. Thank you for allowing me and my friends to give it all to you!