Lasting Presents
by Malcolm Wood
As the sights and sounds of Christmas fade from our memories for another year we’re left with the presents which have neither been consumed nor rubbed or sprayed on. The pen or the new keyboard at our hand, the book on the table, the CD or DVD on the shelf, and the scarf and gloves in the cupboard will continue for some time to be a reminder of Granny’s or someone else’s gift to us in 2012. Sadly most of these items will sooner or later lose their significance, and will either break, or wear out, and consequently be forgotten, lost or disposed of.
How different are the blessings or ‘presents’ we receive from the Lord! The Lord’s blessings and mercies, as the verse above reminds us, are new every morning. They neither lose their significance or age, nor wear out. Whereas thoughts and memories of gifts received in 2012 may fade, the Lord’s continual call through Scripture is to remember Him and all His blessings.
For example the Psalmist encourages himself (and us) to ‘Praise the Lord … and never forget the good things he does for me’ (Psalm 103:2).
Our headline scripture was no doubt inspiration for Thomas Chisholm when he penned the words: ‘Morning by morning, new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand has provided – great is Thy faithfulness, Lord to me.’ In the last verse of his hymn ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ he lists some of those special mercies which perhaps we take for granted; ‘Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth. Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!’
Throughout 2013 perhaps we all need to do more of what this song encourages us to do - ‘Count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings name them by the score, and it will surprise you there are thousands more!’When we do this we’ll discover that what God offers us is not just for Christmas, but for evermore.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for the times I take You and all Your blessings to me for granted. Please help me throughout the coming year to daily count my blessings and thank You for them, Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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