“Amazing God”

“Amazing God”

January 18, 2017

“Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” is a statement from Psalm 126:3 in The New Living Translation. The context is the return of Israel’s captive people to Jerusalem. They were singing, filled with laughter and realizing that the surrounding nations understood this was a work of God.

As they focused on the amazing things God had done for them, they thought of their fortunes being restored and the future harvests they could enjoy. Hard work, even to the point of tears, would cause rejoicing at harvest time. Today they might sing, “God is so good, He’s so good to me.”

It is easier to be joyful and grateful when life is going well by our definition. When difficult challenges come to us, we may not be as quick to think about the amazing goodness of God. What tends to happen is that we think more about what He does than about Who He is. God is always good – even when life feels bad.

Parents understand this better than anyone, because we realize that what feels bad to our children is ultimately for their good. The consequence of bad behavior has an immediate uncomfortable feeling, but down the road a few years, the kids are grateful that we cared enough to be consistently firm with them. At the time, they were thinking of what they considered good or bad, but eventually they focus on the people who cared.

Israel’s captive people experienced years of pain because of their refusal to heed the warnings of the God Who loved them. As they returned from those years in captivity and rejoiced in what they had in their homeland, I wonder if they really learned the most important lesson – that God is amazing because He is God, not just for the amazing things He does.

I am reminded of how quick I am to be grateful for the wonderful gifts I enjoy while failing to focus first of all on the One Who is amazing. When that attitude is in place, I will find myself joyful during the hard times – maybe even more so than when life is easier. I need to ponder this throughout each day.

Pastor Bill Ehmann

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECENT POSTS

Disciplined or Driven?

By wvbaptist | March 13, 2019 | 0 Comments

March 13, 2019 The Bible places importance on work ethic, financial management, appropriate use of time, and daily enjoyment balanced with eternal perspective. Self-discipline is a common thread throughout Scripture, with many examples of people who did this well and […]

Not My Concern

By wvbaptist | March 6, 2019 | 0 Comments

March 6, 2019 I admit to being a worrier about things over which I have no control or responsibility. It seems foolish to realize this because there are plenty of things I am responsible for managing – including myself! It […]

Conduit Usefulness

By wvbaptist | February 27, 2019 | 0 Comments

February 27, 2019 I find it easy to be grateful for hot and cold running water, forced air heat (and cold when appropriate) and electricity. I have no desire to return to those “good old days” of my growing up […]

Following Our Head

By wvbaptist | February 20, 2019 | 1 Comment

February 20, 2019 When we think “head,” most likely we consider facts, information and principles. When we think “heart,” the tendency is to reflect on emotions, feelings and impulses. Both are part of the human make-up as Creator God designed […]

Tribute to Maria Rogers

By wvbaptist | February 13, 2019 | 1 Comment

February 13, 2019 This Saturday, our church family will join with the friends of Craig and Maria Rogers to celebrate Maria’s life. She went Home to Heaven in December, and all of us are hurting. No one questions where she […]

Scroll to Top