I helped several years at Christmas time with the musical and drama production of Handel’s “The Messiah” at my home church in North Carolina. It became quite an event, that many people enjoyed attending through the years. One very cold December night, we had a full crowd and a lot of people outside the doors wanting to attend the performance. I was asked to “handle” the situation. Wow, how to you “handle”crowd control at “Handel’s” concert??? I went outside to see how many people were there; as I talked to them, I quickly realized none of them had ever attended this event before in the past. As I scanned the crowd… I  saw an elderly woman in a wheel chair. I thought to myself, there is no way I can tell her and the others that they could not come into the church that evening.I prayed one of most frequent prayers… “Lord, help me to know what to do in this situation.” Then, just like that…I had an idea. I went back into the church and got the microphone before the program began and asked how many people had attended this concert before to please raise their hands. I saw many hands raised. Then I explained to them, we had a large number of people outside that had not ever attended this event and asked would they be willing to give up their seat that night so the people outside could attend. They responded well and and we were able to seat everyone. 

After the concert that night, I saw a visiting Pastor from a church in another city. He told me that I “handled” that situation very well. He also said, that if his church ever needed a bouncer, he would contact me first…

The most famous part of the Messiah program is the “Hallelujah Chorus”. The lyrics are from the Bible in Isaiah 9:6, describing Jesus…”And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Our Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” 

I was so thankful that Jesus was my Counselor that night and also countless times since then. He created us and knows more  about us than anyone else. Psalm 139:14 states that “I praise You because of the wonderful way You created me.” Who better to consult with than the One who made us and loves us? 

He also knows what we need regardless of our circumstances. Psalm 46:1 reminds us …”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” By the way, He is available anytime and anywhere and no appointments are necessary. He knows you and cares for you and you can always talk to Him.