Psalm 34:3

There is a time for everything under the sun; a time to be born, and to die, to plant and to harvest, weep and dance, and the list is long. The time is not the same for everyone. Some come to worship who have recently stood by a grave of a loved one, while another young couple carries a new baby to its first Sunday in church. One person shows up to pray, “Jesus, I am afraid of what the doctor will say;” and another rejoices that all is well.

I have often prayed in an empty waiting sanctuary: “Please help me, Lord; the people who are coming will need a word from you. Let me tell them of a Savior who is mighty to save, and a God who cares. May they know that when the storms of life are raging that you are standing by them. Wipe the tears from sad eyes and give some peace to troubled hearts. Let Heaven and earth join hands in this place today.”

The greatest witness of the church is people who have gone through so much of what time brings; and yet they gather on bright (and sometimes not so bright) Sabbath mornings at the call of the sweet ringing bells. Some are spry and happy, and others show a lot of mileage on the long road of life; and yet all sing together of a Name that they love to hear:

“There’s a name above all others,
Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer.
It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.

What a lovely name, the name of Jesus.
Reaching higher far, than the brightest star.
Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven.
Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.”

“Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3