How Can I Celebrate When Things Are So Bad?
November 22, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Church, Faith, Gospel Today Features, The Walk
By Pastor Brenda Timberlake
Question: As a Christian, I know I should always be thankful, but in this economy, it’s so hard to feel grateful. I mean, people are losing jobs, homes and having more health problems than ever. How can I celebrate anything with all that’s going on?
Answer: You can celebrate, because the Word of God tells us, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you†(I Thess. 5:18). This doesn’t mean that you have to be happy about all that’s going on, but you can choose to rejoice in spite of the situation.
If you choose to focus on the negative news stories in the media, you will surely be miserable and sad, but if you choose to focus on the goodness of God, your outlook will be brighter. It’s up to you. Whose report will you believe?
WORLD’S REPORT: The economy is going down… GOD’S REPORT: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will de- liver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.†Psa. 91:14
WORLD’S REPORT: It’s bad and getting worse… GOD’S REPORT: “And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.†Phil. 4:19
WORLD’S REPORT: The price of every- thing is going up… GOD’S REPORT: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all under- standing, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.†Phil. 4:6-7
The Word of God reminds us that God demonstrates His love towards His people. As a Christian, you can and should be part of demonstrating God’s love.
(1) READ BOOKS OR GO ON-LINE. Bibleverses.com and Biblegateway.com are just two sites among thousands that will put the Word of God at your fingertips and impress the word upon your heart.
(2) TAKE PART IN SHARING GOD’S LOVE WITH OTHERS. Plan a celebration or join in to help your church or another organization/agency to help others have a wonderful holiday season.
Just wanted to thank you for publishing this message. We get so caught up in what we don’t have or can’t give during the holidays until we forget all that we have in Christ Jesus who continues to strengthen us despite the so called ‘bad and hard’ times.It does not cost anything but a little time to call someone and say hello especially someone who has no family, someone who is disabled, someone who is older in years and wish someone would call or stop by. As long as we have life we have all we need as God continues to bless us to see a new day! and we should learn to be more grateful and thankful for these blessings for they are HUGE! and yes thre is something that we can do in the days we are given.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and family.
Always keep the “flesh” in check. No flesh should be ruling anyones life. REJOICE AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pastor Timberlake much thanks for highlighting God’s Word.
His report is what we (Saints of God) should BELIEVE – REGARDLESS, that our faith stands not in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God.
Thank you for keeping life’s issues in perspective according to “The Word of God-our Life Source.”
“The GOOD NEWS is that the BAD NEWS is wrong!”