Good Morning, Lord!

Christian Devotional by Pastor Cecil Thompson

1 Peter 4:12-15

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.”

Isn’t that a great passage? I once heard a minister share with a group of us: “When I used to wake up and feel out of sorts, I would greet the day by saying: “Good Lord—morning?!!” It was always a bad day that followed. When he realized that the Lord desired for His children to have a spirit of praise, he developed the practice of falling asleep while he was praising the Lord. In the morning he woke saying: “Good morning, Lord!!!”

It was an expression of anticipation and a good day followed. Expect the best even in the midst of life’s storms. Remember you are not alone. God is with you and will even carry you when things get too hard.

Here is a news flash for you! I am not sure if you are aware of it or not, but we live in a world filled with troubles and frustrations! Isn’t that amazing? These problems may arise from almost any source. It is easy for us to lament because of the bad things that are happening to ourselves or others.

I know what it feels like to experience the loss of a loved one. I do not make light of the afflictions people encounter. I have often wished that I could take the hurt away. I think one of the burdens of a Pastor is that you are called upon to go through the pain that people in your congregation are enduring. But then I really would not want it any other way—that is my ministry.

Many Christians seem to have the notion that since they are a believer they should not have to go through fiery trials or turmoil in their life. There are even some who give the impression that if something terrible happens to us, we must be guilty of some secret sin. (Go back and read the book of Job).

Notice in today’s Scripture that fiery trials are to be expected in the life of believers. Even so we live in a day and age with perhaps the greatest freedom from religious persecution since the time of Christ. Instead of using this freedom to better serve the Lord, we act like wounded ducks if someone happens to say a cross word to us.

We need to be careful that we do not get a persecution complex and become obnoxious. Some of our problems are our own fault. Ouch!! Did I say that? We need to give ourselves an attitude check as often as possible before we start whimpering and whining.

What should our Christian response be if, in fact, we are an innocent victim? It is certainly clear that we are not to cry and moan. God’s instruction is that we are to praise. Notice that Paul says to rejoice that you participate in Christ’s sufferings. (I hope you are still with me). Many counselors, spiritual and worldly, excuse and justify feeling sorry for oneself, but the Word says – – REJOICE!

Another wonderful passage to support the concept of praise in adversity is found, of all places, in the Book of Lamentations. The writer is lamenting over the sins of the people (Godly sorrow over sin is justified and also encouraged). In Lamentations 3:22-26 we see the true hope for the believer in tribulation: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

GOOD MORNING, LORD!

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.

— Pastor Cecil