Magnify the Lord With Me

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:1-8 NRSV).

Our family has learned a lot of lessons this past year! We've felt His presence through affliction and celebration. We learned the only way to get through life is to trust in God. Having stated that, I don't always demonstrate or act upon this profound truth! I'm not always radiant with the glow of God's love, nor do I always offer Him all my fears or daily problems.

Monday mornings are often a difficult time for us to be centered on God. Typically we have a million things running through our minds--to do list for the week filled with family medical appointments, school meetings, and church activities just to name a few.  At Christmastime my church has enough "extra" activities to make anyone's head spin! It's overwhelming in a wonderful and exciting way! However, when I get all wrapped up in the activities of the day or the upcoming week, I often forget to magnify God. If I don't turn over the tension, anxiety, and daily life in general to God, I'm not leaving myself open to His daily will in my life.

I fully believe that by turning over my life daily to God, nothing will overcome me. I have felt His angels encamped around me at work, in the car, at home, in the oddest places. But, I am often so busy I forget to acknowledge their presence. How can I expect to be saved out of all my troubles when I'm too busy chasing all the "very important things" I need to accomplish every day? If I fail to approach God with an attitude of trust, then I may just miss out on His daily blessings for me.

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I love the lights, the late Christmas Eve service that heralds the birth of Christ, and the spirit of giving and generosity that awakens in individuals, groups, and companies! I think Christmas brings out the best in people. Of course, the added activities and responsibilities of baking, decorating, gift buying, and all the "extra" activities can also cause a lot of stress.

This year Christmas will be quite different for us! My husband is scheduled to work on Christmas Eve, and my son will probably also work a portion of that day. Our daughter and son-in-law will be with us, but we don't know exactly what Christmas Eve schedule will look like.

For many years our family has hosted a Christmas Eve Open House for neighbors and friends. Typically, we kick off the holidays the weekend after Thanksgiving by planning the menu, sending out invitations, decorating the house, putting up the tree, and baking. But, because two of our family members will be working we are not having our annual party. It's going to be kind of strange, but then it's been that kind of year!

Our crazy year has seen me go back to work full time, my son graduate his job training program and working full time, and my husband working two (and sometimes three) jobs while seeking full-time employment. Additionally, my mother-in-law suffered a stroke and my husband is her full-time guardian. Throughout the challenges we've had some wonderful things to celebrations as well. Our extended family has two new additions - two new baby boys!

This year we've talked about making more room for Jesus in our lives. We've decided that since we will be focusing less on having a perfectly decorated house, perfectly wrapped gifts, and the overspending on gifts for friends and family, we will probably actually be able to enjoy the season in a "new and improved" way.

But, you know, we need to keep our focus on Jesus throughout our lives--every single day, every hour, every minute. These song lyrics remind me of my on-going, continual need for God's providence, protection and comfort: "I need thee. I need thee. I need thee every hour." Text: Annie S. Hawks, 1835-1918; Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. When I reflect upon these words I am reminded to center my life on Christ!

This Christmas season I'm going to breathe . . . breathe in the spirit of Christmas . . . breathe out the stress and anxieties of this world . . . and give it all to God, that He may answer my when I call. And that I may magnify the Lord in all I say and do.