March, 2010

A TIME TO PRAISE!

 

PSALMS 121:1 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.” 

Have you had the experience of being someplace that seemed so idyllic you are simply overwhelmed with praise to the Lord?  There is a breath-takingly beautiful area in CA known for it’s pastoral scenes where the verdant Santa Ynez Valley stretches forever before your eyes.  Located about 45 miles north of Santa Barbara, this is the quiet, secluded get-away spot Ronald and Nancy Reagan chose for the ranch we’ve heard so much about, near the little Danish town of Solvang. 

For many years Eddie had business in Solvang while our friends had acess to a condo there and we have many pleasant memories of times spent there together.  If you’ve not been to Solvang, it’s a quaint town that makes you feel you’re inside a story book.  The scenic highway from L.A. snakes along the blue Pacific treating you to a view of the foaming waves rushing to shore right beside your car.  Once there, a stroll down the cobblestone sidewalks transports you to another continent and culture as store façades bear the colors and architecture of Denmark.  Many bakeries line the street and the sweet aroma of aebleskivers and other bakery treats fills the air while other shop windows display Delft Blue china, lace panels for tables and windows and other products of Denmark.  Windmills with big heavy blades stand in nearly every block.  All of this makes you think you’ve surely crossed the ocean.   

In Matthew 7:11, Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”  If you had an earthly father whose pleasure it was to give generously to you, you know the joy this brought to both of you and explains your inadequacy to say thanks to him.  It’s the same when God gives so much to us.  No wonder we lack words to express the depth of our feelings to Him who gives so abundantly.  At those times, nothing will do but to drop everything and offer a prayer of praise.  

We read of an example like this in the scriptures.  At the time of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the whole crowd began to praise God because of the parables he had taught and the miracles they saw him perform.  The 10 were healed of leprosy; the blind beggar was given sight, and many other things.  The Pharisees told Jesus their loud voices of praise disturbed them and they wanted Him to rebuke His disciples for such action.  But, Jesus told them, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  Luke 19:40.  

One morning as we were ready to leave the Solvang condo and the Santa Ynez Valley area, we chatted with our friends about how much we had enjoyed our time there, and how thankful we felt for God’s blessings.  Once in the car, our friend drove high atop a hill where the view was stunning, and as tears welled up in his eyes and his voice, he said, “I just want to pray and give thanks to God,” which he did.  Yes, we have all had those moments when we feel just like the disciples, that if we didn’t praise God for His good gifts, the ROCKS would cry out.  He is so deserving of our praise!  In fact, isn’t there something you need to praise Him for at this very moment?  Stop and pray and praise Him for His good gifts. 

Written by: Carol Cooper

Talhat@cox.net