God of wonders, you are holy and you are mine

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy....

This morning, around the globe, deep into the mountains in Appalachia, high on the rivers and lakes of the Midwest, through all there are people who have no homes, who have lost it all through no fault of their own. This morning, as the bitter cold of the Northeast mingles and mixes with the bitter feelings of the jobless, the tender faces of children who wonder why their parents are screaming at each other grow pale and hopeless.

It's another morning in America, as we wait for something to get better. Oh, there are many, many who will tell you things are going great, but those are the ones who feel no true hopelessness. And they don't have the eyes of God who see the hungry, the poor, the imprisoned as real humans to be touched and mourned when they pass.

While we fuss and fight about Duck Dynasty and such, the world slips a day further from the one who loves us the most and refuses to give up on us, all of us, each created in God's own image.

This morning, for some incalculable reason, I'm tired. Sometimes, even when I never meant it to be, I've let being tired be an excuse for being negative.

Not today. No, not on this last day of 2013.

I have decided that though I can't celebrate 2013 in any way other than another wonderful turn around the sun given by my Lord and Savior, not physically, emotionally, heck not even mentally, I can still honor Him.

Early in the morning,
I will celebrate the light ...

This morning I will turn to a God who loves me despite my worst intent, despite my biggest mistakes, despite my choices. This morning I will creep with the creeping things, soar with the largest wings. This morning, oh my Lawd what a morning.

The universe declares your majesty
You are holy ....

This dark, cold morning, Psalm 70 captures my feelings. It reads in part from the NLT, "But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper. Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters."

The writer continues toward the end of the Psalm. "Then I will praise god's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle .... The humble will see their God and world and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people."

This morning, no matter your emotions, no matter your checkbook, no matter your plans successful or impractical for 2014, stop what you're doing and praise the name of God, Jehovah, Jesus, Spirit, with all your being and strength and soul.

The mystery of the Godhead fades as we approach the throne room with the bit of love that he secreted into our makeup.

You are holy, O God, maker of me and mine; you delivered me when I was ill; you saved me when I was being attacked; you give me hope when I worry. You are holy, O God.