Peace in the midst of the Storm

Psalm 91:1-2 - Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

Psalm 91 is probably one of the most favorite chapters in the book of Psalm. We are not sure who wrote the Psalm, but we can assuredly say it was written by someone who truly knew God and had experienced His faithfulness in the good and bad times of life – in sunshine and in storm.
 

It is a guarantee that storms will come in our life but surely they will pass. It is what we do in the middle of the storm that makes us victorious. If fear tries to take over, we can just look unto our Heavenly Father and we will gain the peace we need to go through any storm.

Psalm 91 speaks of God as the Protector of those who trust in Him. The promise is for those who has trusted in God, who has fled to Him for safety, will be delivered.

Be Blessed.

Random Act of Kindness

Life is a journey and at times it’s hard, frustrating and lonely. Sometimes when everything seems to be a smooth sailing, something may strike us and bring us through a roller coaster experience. In moments like this, a random act kindness would encourage us and elevate our spirit. Random acts of kindness don't have to be huge, well-thought-out events or actions. They can be as simple as smiling at a passerby. But the one thing that an act of kindness does require is for it to be given from the heart without expecting anything in return except the possibility that you've made someone's day better.

I experience the value of random act of kindness today. A colleague came back to work after 7 months of break. She walks to my office and gave me a hug and say thank you for supporting her during the difficult period of life. Both of us shed some tears during that moment. The only thing I did was sending her encouragement through Whatsapp and SMS. Today I realized the impact of simple encouraging words using simple medium. An American politician by the name of Bob Kerrey says “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. Who knows how a simple act of kindness on our part may change the lives of others.

Sometimes we get caught up with wanting to do big things for the people we love, to show them how much we care.  Buying them big gifts, giving them money; we need something tangible to give to them.  I think it's so easy for all of us to get caught up with showing our love through objects.  Sometimes all it takes is to check up on someone and ask "How are you doing?  I miss you".  And what about showing love to people we don't know? What if all it takes is a smile?  A concerned glanced? I think in order to truly be present and live in the moment; we have to be aware of our surroundings and the people in it. A small and random act of kindness will indeed go a long way.

Commitment to Thanksgiving

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

We are being thought of important manners since we are young. The word "Thank you" is uttered as a response for a kind gesture or a gift bestowed. But as I grow older, I realize that this word contains far more significance meaning than just a social respond.  It contains a greater meaning about living a life filled with gratitude and taking the time to convey the heartfelt sentiment of thankfulness to one and all. Thank you is more than a word of social grace - it is an attitude of being grateful.

One of the most admired ministers of the early 20th century and subsequently earned him the title "Stylist of the English Pulpit.", John Henry Jowett says "Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.  Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception.  Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.  Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road." 


Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best. In fact, they may be downright bad, but still, we are to look for something to be thankful for! And there is always something for which we can be thankful!

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Be Blessed.