Hallelujah!

In a recent staff meeting at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, we listened to a song that I love, "Hallelujah Christmas" by Cloverton.  You have probably heard it.  The song goes through Jesus' life from birth, life, death, and resurrection.  After each verse, they sing, "Hallelujah," which means, "praise the Lord!"  The last verse is, "I know You came to rescue me - This baby boy would grow to be - A man and one day die for me and you - My sins would drive the nails in You - That rugged cross was my cross, too - Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah - Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah - Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah." 

All during 2020, I have tried to thank God for the hard times because that is when we grow.  But it is hard!  Yet, when I sit and list my blessings, I see there have been plenty in 2020.  Some were hidden, and I believe we will not realize some until later.  But we need to learn from Jesus.  "Still, every breath You drew was Hallelujah."  Jesus praised God, and He knew the ending of the story.  We are to praise God in all things.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 

Although 2020 has been horrible in so many ways, I see it as a revival to many.  For me, I have a deeper trust in God.  I have had to remind myself daily that He is in control no matter how crazy this world gets.  When you think it can't get any crazier, it does!  But I say out loud, "I trust You, God!"  And that settles my soul.  When I believe that God is in charge, then it is well with my soul!  Psalm 84:4, "Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you."  

I can think of other things I am thankful for from 2020.  I had my daughter home for three months, and she lives 3000 miles away.  Because of social distancing, our family of four ate at the table together every day!  She has been able to come back for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which was not supposed to happen.  Trying to make sure my uncle was still laughing, I began sending him jokes.  By April, it had begun a ministry of writing letters of encouragement and jokes to over 40 seniors who are not getting out much.  By praying for these people on a regular basis, I have made so many new friends!  I do not take worshipping in my church for granted anymore.  I also do not take singing with my church family for granted anymore!  And who knows what other blessings will come about?  2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 

I am choosing to begin my days with a hallelujah!  There will come a day when we have no more tears, sickness, or pain.  1 Peter 1:3-5, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."