Giving Up Is Not an Option!
From Psalm 145:8-15 we find these words: God is all mercy and grace - not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. (The Message)
David writes a psalm of reflection on the goodness of God. In God he found forgiveness and grace; so do we. He understands God to be a God who is slow to anger, and extremely rich in love. He knew God to be good to one and all, sharing all things filled with grace. God is worshipped and applauded by all creation and all creatures; songs of God's glory, praises of God's splendor; telling all the world of God's power for good. God is an eternal king of love; God's kingdom will never end. And the best message in the text? God gives a helping hand to those who have seen better days and who have reached a point where they think they can give up. David says, and we should too, "Don't give up!"
With the resources of God behind us and in those who ask, giving up should never be an option. God is a God of forward and upward movement. We should lift our hands towards God when we're down, and God will lift us up. We should lift up our hearts when we feel down, and God's praise will lift our hearts. When our eyes are downcast, look upward and see the greatness of God, and you will be lifted up. In all things and in all ways; God is with us and will bless us.
PRAYER: Loving God, lift us up now. May this day prove to be a day of service to all, especially those who are down. Help us to exclaim Your goodness; we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
