“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16 ESV).
At the Episcopal Church where I formerly worked, they read or sing a Psalm each week. When the choirmaster sang a condensed version of Psalm 66, I was struck even more by its beauty, especially this verse: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he has done for me.” “Come and listen…,” where have we heard similar words? Perhaps from Jesus: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15 ESV). These are open invitations to receive the word of God through the testimony of others. Additionally God calls us not only to “hear” but to “tell!” “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b ESV). Sometimes we forget that although there are many stories in scripture with all kinds of miracles the vast majority of God’s followers never had direct contact with a “big” miracle. They never heard the audible voice of God nor saw someone brought back from the dead, etc. They were like me and probably most of you. And yet even without show stopping miracles, God calls all His followers to tell others how He has worked in their lives. If I sat and thought about it, I could probably fill a book on that topic. After all isn’t that what much of the book of Psalms is, praising God?
Our recent move has taken a toll on me physically, since I apparently don’t handle stressful changes very well. However, in everything we have prayed for God’s guidance. If we truly believe He hears our prayers, then I know He will continue to take care of us whether or not I find a job, whether or not Ryan’s job continues to work out, etc. But will I have the faith to remember that as the days, weeks, and possibly months fly by? It is important to share and remember how God has manifested His presence in our lives. So when times of trouble arise, we will know God is still with us even if life crumbles around us. And I know God works in mysterious ways that I would not have guessed. His perfect plan is always so different from the road map I’ve laid out! The Lord is aware of my love for relying on myself, and He reminds me that my plans might seem solid but they don’t always match the future He has in mind. I’m excited to see what God’s plan is for this new chapter in our lives. I will be sure to “tell what he has done for my soul” to you, for your encouragement as well as mine. And remember to “let your light shine before others,” no matter how small it might seem to you.