“Don’t Miss the Blessing”

“Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” Exodus 6:9

Langston Hughes writes in one of his most famous poetic presentations, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” How many of us can attest to that? It would seem that every which way we turn, there’s a problem, an issue, a hurdle to jump over, stuff to overcome. Young people say it this way, “life is lifing.”

Depression and the heaviness of responsibilities can weigh us down and make us wonder if there is any light at the end of the tunnel. The actions of family members, coworkers, colleagues and even our own decisions sometimes cause us to stop and think about what is really going on. We want to check others and should even be checking ourselves to see if our words line up with positivity, responsibility and accountability. 

Moses had a message for the people of GOD. The LORD shared with Moses and brought back to Moses remembrance of the LORD’s promises; deliverance, possession, freedom, redemption, presence. As the LORD’s people were going through, it was the LORD who was with them in their trouble and travail. Good news… HE is with us too. 

In this Season of Lent, may we focus not so much on the craziness and the coo coo and the suffering and distress. Don’t miss the blessing that Emanuel, GOD is with us. "And HE walks with me and HE talks with me. And HE tells me I am HIS own!" Selah!

Present GOD, existing GOD, near and right here GOD, thank You for Your promise. Thank You for keeping Your word. We wait and listen because we don’t want to miss what You have for us. In the name of JESUS! AMEN.  

The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, Presiding Elder - Western District Western NC Conference