Psalm 34:1-3 ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.’

DAILY READING; Acts 10:1-33; Joshua 7-8; Job 24

The performance of George Frideric Handel’s ‘Messiah’ has become an inseparable part of the Christmas festivities. However the story behind the composition of this classical music, is a remarkable reflection of God’s faithfulness.
Though George Frederick Handel had been a famous musician, by 1741, he faced a health and financial crisis. He found himself heavily in debt after a string of musical failures, and it seemed he was headed for the debtors’ prison. Added to that, a cerebral hemorrhage had paralyzed his right side. He could no longer write, and doctors gave him little hope for recovery.
Often he would wander through the streets of London, angry at life.
However, despite his seemingly hopeless situation, God’s faithfulness showed up. When he travelled to France and underwent treatment for his paralysis, his health greatly improved and he was able to write music once more. But then he was still faced with great financial challenges. At that time, England was passing through hard economic times, and many of his intended concerts and performances had been canceled.
Then one night, a friend of his, showed up at his home and explained that he had just written a libretto from the Bible and believed that Handel was the man to set it to music. Reading through it, Handle identified with Christ’s suffering when he read such lines as “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”.
As Handel picked up his pen to begin writing the music, he could feel the presence of God. Handel composed ‘Messiah’ in a record 24 days, without much sleep or food.
The first performance in Dublin on April 13, 1742, was a huge success. The ‘Messiah’ would become one of the greatest music in history. It changed Handel’s fortune and became his crowning achievement. Today George Frideric Handel is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time..

At a time when Handel thought his life and career was over, God’s faithfulness showed up, and his later end became greater than his beginning.
Just like Handel, at some points in life, we have faced situations that left us feeling broken. Perhaps you had challenges that seemed overwhelming or went through such rough situations that made you think you might never make it. .
Especially this year, perhaps there were moments you felt ‘pressed beyond measure’ and times you almost felt tempted to give up.
However, no matter what you went through, you must understand that God has remained faithful and steadfast and it was only by His mercies that you were not consumed.
Despite all the rough rides and tough times here you are, finally about to cross over into the New year. Certainly God’s grace and mercy has preserved you. Even in those moments you came close to the edge, God did not allow you to fall off, He had His arms of love wrapped all around you.
You only have to look at the news to see how many people died this year, even the rich and famous. Yet in every situation the Blood of the covenant kept speaking ‘mercy’ over you.
Therefore in these few remaining days of this year, it should be a time of sober reflection for us. We should take time to sit before God like David did in 2 Samuel 7:18. From a heart of gratitude David had said to God. “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?’
Certainly, we are not the smartest, hardest working, or most knowledgeable, yet God has kept us and brought us through this notable year.
Truly God has been good. God has been faithful. God has done exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask, think or imagine.
Let us not take God’s goodness for granted so that we do not become grounded. If perhaps some expectations were not fulfilled this year, let us still thank God for our lives. As long as you are joined to the living there is hope for you. The God who has brought you this far will not leave you nor forsake you. What He has promised He will surely bring to pass in your life. What you need to do is keep aligning yourself to His will, through a lifestyle of diligent study of the Word, worship and fervent prayers.
Certainly His hand that has preserved us thus far, will yet take us to even greater heights.

PRAYER: Lord, I am truly grateful for how far You have brought me this year. Thank You Lord for Your steadfast love and continual faithfulness in my life. I indeed judge You faithful. May your praise continually be on my lips now and forever in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE
God’s promises in Christ in your life may appear delayed, but never forget that delays are not denials. WORDBITE 222.\