How Can I Keep From Singing?

“I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.”

Acts 23:6

Have you heard the saying “talk is cheap.” You can’t just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. But what if you are not able to walk? Should we completely despair? Those that make your talk cheap? No. Prayer is powerful. We must pray without ceasing not only turn to it as a last resort. Both and And, that is our identity and our calling. Jesus taught us to pray. Jesus prayed for his disciples for us, “I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me.” (John 17:24). Jesus also modeled, charity, faith and hope. He showed his disciples through his life, how to live.

Our whole lives we are on trial. What is this trial? What is this test?  The test of faith in Him who came to give us life, so that we may have life abundantly. “I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6). The hope in the resurrection, this mystery of our faith, must lead us to live a Christian life where we can model hope in a time of despair, joy in a time of suffering and faith where the rope seem so weak it might tear.

Blessed Pier Giorgio reminds us to remain in good spirits throughout the trials of life. “You ask me whether I am in good spirits. How could I not be, so long as my trust in God gives me strength…the purpose for which we have been created shows us the path along which we should go, perhaps strewn with many thorns, but not a sad path. Even in the midst of intense suffering, it is one of joy.” How incredibly blessed and privileged to walk through life, with its thorns and roses, its rain and radiant sun, its blossoming flowers and dying flowers, its blue skies and gray skies.  Live the Christian life, pray and put the love of the father in action. A hymn that I always enjoy praying goes, “No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that refuge clinging, since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?” Indeed, how can we?

Today say a prayer for a friend, for a family member for anyone who may need it AND live out your abundant life, the way Jesus did, in service of others.  

O God; you are my hope.

You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,

Psalm 16: 1, 11