Untold multitudes of people have been inspired by Andraé Crouch’s rendition of the song “Through It All.” Here’s one favorite stanza: “I thank God for the mountains, and I thank him for the valleys, I thank him for the storms he brought me through. For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know God could solve them, I’d never know what faith in God could do.” That song resonates with many people because it speaks to our shared experiences—like Psalm 107. There the writer speaks to the experiences of those who have gone without food and water. He writes, “Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. ‘LORD, help! ’ they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress… Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Today, we might well do as the psalmist urges us to do—to speak out! Tell others what God has done for us. When we share our experiences we testify to the goodness and greatness of our God. In doing so, others are encouraged to trust in God as we have done. We honor God when we give Him the credit for all He does for us.
Photo Credit: New York Times, 2015
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
