Reflections from the President

Thanksgiving is a great season!

It shifts our focus from problems to blessings. The cultural tradition celebrates God’s blessing through a time of sharing food, fellowship and tradition. It is a great tradition that often includes a fabulous turkey dinner. What a great time to share a joyful experience with family and friends!

Hopefully, the cultural focus on food, fellowship and friendship will take our minds back to the source of all “good, and perfect gifts.” The source of all “good and perfect gifts” is God himself. Once we think about the source of joy and celebration of the season we move from a horizontal to a vertical perspective of life.

As we approach this day of rest and celebration, God has shifted my attention to a very short but profound biblical statement penned by the psalmist in the thirty-fourth chapter and first verse:

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

What does it mean to bless the Lord at all times? Does that mean we walk around all the time saying: “I bless you” repeatedly? No. That could be a mindless, heartless repetition of words.

I believe he is speaking of something far more profound and practical than that. I believe the psalmist is saying “I will give honor to God and speak well of Him at all times.” He is speaking of a disposition that speaks well of God in spite of the circumstances of life we are experiencing. It is a wonderful parallel to the words of the Apostle Paul in eighteenth verse of the fifth chapter of his letter to the church at Philippi:

“…in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As you enjoy this wonderful day with family seize every opportunity to speak well of God and His abundant blessings. Let others know that you recognize that the source of your blessings is God.

Dr. Larry A. Mercer