I usually thank God for what He has done for me. What He has done for me and others especially those who know the Lord, He can do it for you.

A few weeks ago I was preaching during the Thursday community hour here at UCU, and I quoted Jim Reeves’ song ‘it’s no secret what God can do.’
I went for mapping of School Practice in the schools where our students are going to do school practice and I found out and confirmed that UCU has made a name. It is you and I that need to maintain its fame in the way we live, behave and act. Thank God that you are in UCU. However, this does not mean you do not have challenges: economic, spiritual etc.
 Despite the various challenges that you meet, God loves you. Let’s reflect on Psalm 126.
The Israelites were the people of God and known all over but they were in captivity for a long time possibly the Babylonian activity hence the Psalm is entitled; A joyful return to Zion. They did not have any hope at all that they would return to Zion. It had been their wish for a long time but they could not think it would happen.
It was as if they were not aware that God does great things. They were hopeless and very anxious about their plight in captivity. It was as if God did not care or understand their plight. It was as if God was ‘asleep’ and was not caring. Remember Jesus and the storm in Mark 4:35ff. Bu in the end, they gave the testimony of their restoration, then, there is a prayer for riches and the wisdom of righteousness.
Therefore to us as Christians, whether you are a student or not, we need to be positive in life. All of us have problems, whether you are a student or not. If all of us were to  write what we go through, it would be unbelievable! We survive by God’s grace. We need to be hopeful in everything. We therefore learn from Psalm 126:
• That when the Lord delivers us from a challenge/problem, it may seem more like a dream than a reality.
• That when God does great things, even the foreigners (those that do not know the Lord) can witness and recognise it. What a wonderful God. What has the Lord done for you? Is there anything for the world to see that he saved you? That He is a mighty God? Do not keep quiet! The Israelites were full of joy. Are you full of joy too?
• God does great things. His power not only releases us from sin’s captive hold but brings us back to him.
• That there is God’s ability to restore life beyond our understanding.
• One commentator wrote that Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy.
• When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait.
Keep in the Lord despite the various challenges. Read Ps 126.

Rev. Dr. Medard Rugyendo
is the Dean, Education Faculty.