Great Things for ME! (Advent 2017)

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” – Psalm 126:2

Guest post by Sophia Rawlins

When you read the passage, what stands out to you? During my teenage years, I would say the end of the verse and in particular the word “THEM.” I didn’t feel like one of them. There wasn’t anything great about my life. If you feel the same as I did, I want you to know there is hope. You don’t have to continue to feel let out.

I feel so differently about my life now. The passage is true “The Lord has done great for them” but I now know I am one of them. There are so many verses in the Bible that tell us that the Lord loves and cares for us, he watches out for us, he has planned a future of hope and Isaiah 64:8 tells us “We are all the work of your hand.”

During this Advent season ask the Lord to help you come up with a plan that will help you see and understand that you are one of “THEM,” the work of His hand. There are several things that have helped me understand this. For example, I am connected to a community through my church. I spend time in prayer and meditating on Scripture. I also support my church financially. All of these practices remind me that I am part of something bigger than myself, and that I am the work of God’s hand.

These practices may not work for you, but try them out and see how it feels for a while. Or discern what practices might work best for you. Don’t expect it to be an overnight thing, but don’t be surprised if it is because the Lord can do great things. I’m excited for you and the things the Lord will teach you.

____________________________

For Reflection:

1. Do you feel like the Lord has done great things for them and not for you? How does that make you feel?
2. What is keeping you from looking at your life or situation in a new way, in a positive way?

About the Author:

Sophia Rawlins is the mother of four and a loving grandmother to many.  She loves to pray and to encourage God’s people.  With a servant’s heart, she serves on staff at Cliff Temple Baptist Church.