Anchor of Hope
Jesus, Our Foundation
Greetings Friends,
“Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! He’s God, our God, in charge of the whole earth. Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because he’s good, because his love lasts. Declare God’s mighty acts, broadcast all his praises.” (Psalm 105 & 106, MSG)
As I hear the laughter of my grandchildren fill the forest while they swing and play outdoors, I praise God for his goodness and I than him for my life. Though I wake in the mornings with pains in joints I was unaware exist and though I need caffeine to prop open my eyes, I can still see all of the wonders of another day and I rejoice though the years have added some natural fatigue.
The Psalms which were written to give us music for every occasion and all of life’s circumstances. Psalms 107 is a favorite of mine and it reminds me to thank God for His bountiful blessings, so I endeavor to spend my day in praise to the Lord for His goodness and allow the overflow of my heart to fill the air, much like my grandchildren.
In light of human pain or uncertainty, our praise can often feel insignificant, feeble, and at times even weightless. It is a great wonder that the Lord should do anything at all for us, yet he is not content to do things in small fashion. His vast wisdom, power and love perform marvelous outcomes on our behalf, which humble our hearts and at times, renders them speechless.
Occasionally, the severity of life’s storms teaches us to speak with deeper intensity to open our heart and pour out what lies at the bottom. Can there be finer words of joy than in the Psalms, which pour out praise and thanksgiving? There is security in the Psalms and there, one can find a well-tried guide by which to follow.
In his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin spoke of them as “an anatomy of all the parts of the soul.” In them we read of people and politics, suffering and salvation, revolt and repentance, mystery and certainty.” We are invited into every imaginable emotion a human can experience. After we become conscious of the intricacies of being human, we realize the simple fact that God alone, is to be the focus of our attention and praise. In a time when our very sense of personhood, our nation and communities struggling to rise above the distorted heap of rubble it has become, then, may our hearts plead for God’s widespread work, drawing us to humility and faith in His awesome power. He is faithful to direct the affairs of his highest creation, man. Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
Jesus fulfilled the imperative, “You must love the Lord your God with all you heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matt. 22:37) and was the perfect imitation of God to man.
His expression of love was always tied to his personal relationship with his Father, on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus never demonstrated an abstract idea of love; it was always particular in person and place. The outcome was praise for God, his Father, and the way people responded to being loved and cared for by his presence. Our praise to God is the only accurate way of expressing our thankfulness for his loving kindness to us; flawed mankind.
During the upcoming holiday season, may we find ourselves in the relentless pursuit of praise to God on a daily basis, in every circumstance, for the most mundane and thrilling opportunities that come to us. Humble people are surprised by joy, the joy of knowing God’s unfailing love and goodness in every experience in life. “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” (Psalm 34:1)
Our hearts are called to remember that this world is a poisonous place and the reality of peace and joy can be shattered faster than glass. God alone knows how to pick up those pieces and put vessels back together for His purposes. God says, “Come and talk with me.” My heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8)
Enjoy this season and celebrate with Thanksgiving to God, as you share stories of His faithfulness and goodness; His love and forgiveness; and his kind acceptance, which he has shown you all year long. “Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! He’s God, our God, in charge of the whole earth. Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because he’s good, because his love lasts. Declare God’s mighty acts, broadcast all his praises.” (Psalm 105 & 106, MSG)
A Reason for Thanksgiving,
Kurt Byrnes
Anchor’s New Website Is Here… anchorofhope.us
We are thrilled to pass along information that will help you connect with Anchor of Hope. Our new website will keep you apprised on what we are involved in around our community and provides a safe place for tax-
deductible donations. Go take a look: anchorofhope.us
anchorofhope.us Explore it today and invite your family and friends to check it out.
Everything about Anchor of Hope is there for you: who we are, what we do, group information, intake forms, archived newsletters, a store and a way to contact us.
One principle that guides our counseling is that God desires to mature people and produce spiritual and authentic transformation, which happens over time and in community; not in isolation. Because of your support, we are able to offer Biblical counseling for a reasonable rate to anyone who comes to Anchor for help as we provide a safe community for them to heal.
Please pray with us for God’s gracious wisdom as we move ahead into another year!
Sincerely, Kurt Byrnes
Anchor of Hope Ministries is a recognized 501(C)3 non-profit