by Tim Hall

When my wife and I lived in Madison, Wisconsin, Elvis Presley came to town for a concert. A major story involving "The King of Rock and Roll" developed as Elvis rode into town in his limousine. It seems he spotted two men fighting by the side of the road. Elvis ordered his chauffeur to stop the car, then got out and broke up the fight. Can you imagine that? Elvis Presley, icon of rock music, getting involved in the problems of two "common" people? The city was all in a buzz over the story.

What Elvis did was admirable. But what God does on a daily basis is far more marvelous. Here's how the psalmist described it in Psalm 113:4-9: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes -- with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children" (New King James Version).

There are many reasons to praise God. He is powerful above all others. His wisdom knows all things, even the hidden thoughts of the heart. He can see the future and remembers all things of the past. But one of the most amazing facts about this awesome God is that He stoops to our level. He bends low to the earth to help those who are "common".

We don't find that very often in the world around us. That's what made the story about Elvis so fascinating. Celebrities usually brush off those who clamor about them, refusing even to give autographs. But God brushes off no one. He looks upon our conditions of need. He feels for us in our pain and suffering. He longs to lift us out of the dust and ashes.

What a wonderful God we serve! He is worthy of all the praise we can offer to Him. Praise His holy name!