Monday Reflection – October 18, 2021

Monday Reflection – October 18, 2021

Prelude:
Happy Heroes Day to all Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora!! As a nation, we pause today to remember our national heroes and heroine who sacrificed all to help in the process towards our emancipation and independence. We also recognize our present heroes, some of whom will receive national awards today. Let’s not forget our unsung heroes who have and continue to give of their all in service to their fellow human beings.   

What to do as Trouble Looms
Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:15

We all have had unexpected situations occurring in our lives; situations which demanded the application of specific skills set in order to arrive at a solution. This may range from requiring a plumber to repair a leaking pipe, a mason to repair the house, a counselor to help resolve an issue, a doctor to solve a health crisis, and a teacher to help with an academic challenge. And the list goes on. All these usually require a professional or someone with the required skills, competence and/or experience. We call on such persons in our time of need. We expect that our need is attended to, our problem is handled and a solution is found, either by the person we called or some other recommended source. Our daily routine returns to normal and we are happy. We are likely to tell others about our situation. Once we are satisfied with the service and/or cost, we may even recommend to others who currently face a similar challenge or may do so one day.  

Today’s Watchword  reminds us that we have access to the highest authority in our times of need. In the crises of life we can call to God and are given the assurance and certainty that God will respond. Psalm 50 begins by paying tribute to the greatness and awesome presence of God. It ends with a call for sustained and sincere obedience as well as a warning to the wicked. The Psalmist condemns the practices of the religious leaders of Israel as the offering of sacrifices was merely ritualistic. This must be accompanied by sincerely seeking a spiritual relationship with God. God does not require nor want anything material that we may offer to Him. Everything is already His. God desires a faithful relationship where we offer our praise and thanks. God wants us to call on Him and trust confidently in Him.

Today’s text invites us to consider how we develop a meaningful relationship with God: This involves: giving due thanks and praise to God; calling on Him in our desperate times and times of trouble; believing that God will be of comfort to us in such times, and giving glory and honor to God’s name for His grace. We look to mortal beings to solve our daily challenges, so must we turn to God for all the issues of life and when trouble looms. And in the same way we sing the praises of others who helped us to deal with a challenge, so should we sing God’s praises to others when He delivers us from looming trouble.

When trouble looms, hear Peter’s recommended solution: “Cast all your anxiety on him (Christ), because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Jermaine Gibson