SCRIPTURES: Psalm 103
I was going to say that I wrote this sermon while we were on vacation, which is true. But the more accurate way to say it is that our vacation wrote, or at least inspired, this sermon. For last Thursday, as we looked out upon Glacier Bay and saw the beauty of God’s creation and a massive glacier that sat majestically upon that Bay, I suddenly had my mind drawn to another inspirational event that occurred in a bay, or more accurately, on a lake. And as we continued to enjoy the vistas provided in Glacier Bay, and as I continued to reflect upon the story of Peter and the Lord on that Lake, I started to understand this wonderful Biblical story in a new way.
For you see, previously, I had always thought of this story as providing guidance for us at a time of crisis, that when we were in such a moment, we should keep our eyes focused on our Lord and our faith in him and find the courage to deal with that crisis. And that surely is a very appropriate and necessary message from this scripture.
But the new message or perspective that this scripture offered me last week is also very appropriate and necessary and is focused not on a moment of crisis but rather on the ordinary and routine days of our lives. For you see, the story of Peter and our Lord on Lake Gennesaret is a story that reminds us that the focus of our lives will determine the quality and joy we experience in life, whether it is an ordinary or extraordinary day!
Or to put it another way, using our Old Testament Lesson words: If we keep our focus on the benefits and blessings that God provides us and don’t forget them, then each day our lives will be blessed with the gift of God’s peace and shalom. And just as importantly, we will be much more able to bring these same gifts into the lives of our loved ones and others.
Let me begin to explain that perspective by acknowledging the fact that there are times in every person’s life and faith journey when we lose that sense of God’s presence and peace in our lives. There Peter stood in the midst of a miracle but suddenly the winds, waves and storms of life whipped against his face and his faith and sense of God’s peace evaporates. Yes, he had a strong faith but then life got in the way.
And as we know from Peter’s life and our own lives, there are those times when a crisis or just the ruts and routines of our ordinary days can overwhelm us too. Think about some of the less than inspirational activities that are part of our lives: Is picking up the dry cleaning anyone’s favorite task? How about emptying the dishwasher; shopping for or preparing a meal; or my personal least favorite, cleaning up after a meal? And what about the routine of our work life? When I first was introduced to email, I said, “This is great, so many exciting messages.” But now some days it seems like the only messages I get on my email are for reduced prices on prescription drugs that I am grateful not to need, or advertisements for financial opportunities that I can’t afford.
Yes, there are ruts and routines that are part of our daily lives that can distract us and leave us feeling spiritually empty.
But let’s look back at those same tasks from a different perspective. If we look
at them not as dreadful responsibilities that burden us but rather as opportunities to express concern for our loved ones, aren’t we going to feel more blessed in the midst of these activities? Think about the joy we feel in preparing and sharing a Thanksgiving meal. Doesn’t every meal shared with our loved ones provide a reason for Thanksgiving?
Here is where Glacier Bay and Psalm 103 intersect. For last Thursday, as I looked out and saw that massive and inspirational vista and as I held hands with the woman God has blessed my life with, I was overwhelmed with two feelings. First, a true sense of appreciation and overwhelming gratitude for God’s blessings in my life and second, a sense of embarrassment as I realized there are times when my ordinary routines make me lose sight of how blessed I truly am.
How about you? Do you feel the struggle to keep your focus on the positive side of life? Do you struggle to count your blessings because there are always concerns in all of our lives? If you do, I invite you to join me in making this commitment: I will do my very best not to forget the benefits and blessings God has bestowed upon me.
For when our focus is on those benefits and blessings, whether we are in Glacier Bay or putting out the trash, our lives will be blessed and filled with God’s peace! In Rich Warren’s book, 40 Days of Purpose, he quotes Martin Luther who once said, “If your job is milking cows, make sure you milk them with joy and to the glory of God!”
Forget not all of his benefits. Whether it is a day of crisis or a day of routine, forget not all of his benefits. Whether it is a day of inspiration on Glacier Bay or a day of struggle in the heat of a barn milking a cow, forget not all of his benefits. For as we remember the benefits and blessings of God’s steadfast and eternal love, we know that today and everyday are days for joy and inspiration. Forget not.
Let us pray: Lord, we thank you for times of inspiration in our lives. Whether in Glacier Bay or around our dinner table or wherever, help us not to forget the benefits and blessings or your steadfast and eternal love. Amen
Pastor Stephen Giordano — July 31, 2006