Thank you, God

Thank you, God

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

                The New Year has begun and with it so have all the

activities that keep us active and busy throughout the winter. School has resumed for children and youth and they begin their daily journey to and from school. Many are feeling the urge to get away from winter and go to warmer brighter locations at least for a change. And many are feeling overwhelmed by being back into routine after the holidays that they wonder if there really was a holiday at all.

                We begin 2017 with joy and anticipation that these next twelve months will be prosperous and good. Yet within a few hours after watching New York’s Times Square ball drop we learn of the first heartaches that people are enduring. We have heard about murders, fires in homes and businesses, and we have listened to reports of murders and robberies. A gunman has fired shots into an airport filled with travelers killing some and scaring hundreds. And we wonder about this new year filled with hope.

                But there is hope. Because those who have hope have faith and this faith is focused on Jesus Christ. Jesus will enable us to get through whatever might come our way. Jesus will help us when we are afraid, and he will give us the support we need as we face uncertainties in our lives.

                On any given day millions of people are safe, secure and live what we would call normal lives. What is broadcast through media is what is not normal and safe but situations in which people face their humanity, their existence and even life and death issues. How do we respond to this?

                There is a time for every purpose under heaven. How often do we remember this teaching especially when we are experiencing the extremes—life and death, tearing and mending, building up and breaking down. What do we say? Think? Do?

                As we reflect on what might occur let us remember the words of Jesus, that no matter what we worry about, we cannot change what is to come nor the days of living. Only God knows and it is in God’s time that we live, breathe and have our being. Last year will be different from the one to come. This day in this year is different than what you did on this same day last year. Why? Because you are older, wiser and you have grown in your faith and understanding of Jesus in your life. What can you do in this moment? Give thanks to God.

                We have this moment just for a short time. How are you living it out? It will be soon gone- do you pray with thanksgiving or do you complain to your neighbour? Do you pray for the needs of another person or do you have a ‘things I want from God’ list? Give thanks to God. Pray and offer to God your time. This is what we are called to do in the months to come. Prayerfully and hopefully we will be well to faithfully serve Christ because we hope that will enable us to help us through any situation. Thanks be to God.

PRAYER: Holy God, we praise you and thank you for the ability to call on your name and offer you praise and thanksgiving. We ask O God that you would help us to put our faith in you, to trust you in all that we say and do and that we might rejoice each day that you bless us on earth. Hear our prayers for others and hear our prayers for ourselves. In love O God we believe you will answer. Amen.