Tag: joy

Psalm 128 – Wow, God!

Read Psalm  128

Fear the Lord. Be awed by God. Exclaim, “WOW, God!”

That’s how we need to live. When we hear “fear the Lord,” it’s more than a trembling state of being scared. It’s a sense of extreme awe and wonder at the majesty and perfection of God. From his creation to his love for us. There are many reasons to “fear.”

So long as we live in this holy state of  “fear” or “WOW”, our lives can take on a whole new meaning. When we put things into perspective and give God the honor he deserves.

Some of the illustrations in this psalm are a little intimidating though. I’m not sure what I have in common with a “fruitful grapevine”. So I did some checking of other translations. Even the King James talks of a vine. The Message paraphrase suggests the wife will bear children as the grapevine bears grapes. That’s a lot of children! Or referring back to Psalm 127, many blessings.

Not sure the kids would like to be olive trees, but olive trees are hearty. The olive branch is often thought of as a symbol of abundance, glory, and peace. Again, many blessings.

So do you live in awe of God? How do you get your heart and mind to that place of saying, “Wow, God”? For me, I look to nature. Living here in Mexico I have encountered so many new bugs, flowers, trees, and even our grass is different from what I am used to. The smell of cut grass is still the same though. To look at the intricacies of the beauty around me really helps me to be awestruck.

Others look to the human body, the life cycles of living creatures, a sunset, space and beyond. What works for you? Find that happy place where you are quiet with God. Close your eyes and imagine the creator of the universe is holding you, loving you, guiding you. Wow, God!

Let’s pray. Thank you for all you do and have done for me. I am in awe of you and your majesty. I do fear your power over all things, and that same fear comforts me. Thank you for the security of being in your loving arms. Thank you for bringing to me to this place today where I can shut out the world and just breathe in your Spirit ever deeper. Watch over those whom I love, especially my olive branches, and bring them to a moment like this, wowed by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 126 – Joy!

Read Psalm 126

Have you ever been happy like that? As the psalmist talks about the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after years in exile. They were so happy, they thought they were dreaming.

As the story goes, however, these Israelites had probably never seen the true beauty of Jerusalem before. Why? Because the exile had lasted so long. Those that had been the ones to leave had long since died. But the dream of returning, the memory of God’s promise, the desire for Jerusalem lived on.

I have “pinch me” moments quite often when I wake up to another beautiful, sunny day here in Mexico. I’m retired now with no more alarm clocks. I have joy in that, and often have to  remind myself I’m not dreaming.

We should all have the Israelite’s kind of joy in our hearts at the mere thought of our loving God. He showed us he loved us in a big way when he sent his son. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us, for our sins, was the triumph of greatest magnitude. Every follower should be jumping for joy and having a “pinch me” moment at the very thought.

As the history continues, it didn’t take the returning Israelites  long to see that their beloved City was in ruin. The glory days had long since ended. The second half of the psalm is a beautiful call for God’s provision to restore and renew. I appreciate how it is done with such integrity and not selfish plea.  In the strength of those words, there is no doubt that God will act, and when he does., their response…JOY!

Do you have that kind of assurance when you pray? Do you know without a doubt that God will make “lemonade out of lemons” for you? Are you ready to sing and shout for joy at the thought? Think on that for a while. Is it time to rejuvenate your allegiance to God? Your prayer life?

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for all you have done for me! You have changed my mourning into dancing and left me stronger in the wake of my struggles. Thank you for guiding me through those dark days to such a sunny and bright future. I know that your hand is at work to guide and direct us here in our new surroundings. Thank you for the opportunity to reach people I wouldn’t have otherwise reached through this transition. Use us to make a difference. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 122 – Be Glad

Read Psalm 122

I like how David starts this psalm, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” He was glad. When is the last time you felt “glad” about something?

David’s heart was so in tune with God. The very thought of going to God’s house, in this case the temple in Jerusalem, made him glad. He was happy to go. Do we have that same excitement about going to worship in our own church? If not, what is holding us back from unleashing pure joy at being in God’s presence?

Did you notice his word choice here, “let us go”, not just “go”. That would seem to infer the privilege of being able to worship our God. That is a freedom we often take for granted. Many people around the world do not have that freedom to be open about their allegiance to Jesus. You may even know someone that is currently hiding their faith. How they must wish they were able to go and worship publicly. That would certainly make them glad.

We often lose sight of what is important. It is not so much the “where” we worship, but it is certainly about the “who”. Who are we worshiping? What does our worship look like? Have we lost that joy that comes with the privilege of being in God’s presence together with other believers? Search your heart today for a true answer to these questions.

Let’s pray. Lord, you are a mighty God. It is such a privilege to know you and sing praise to you. I do get giddy when it’s time to lead worship. To feel your spirit coursing through my veins is a feeling of contentment and joy I can’t put into words. It is the perfect time of communion with you, our hearts are as one. I thank you for letting me have those times and look forward to the next opportunity. I pray for those who do not know you. May my life be such a reflection of you that those lost souls see you and can be rescued by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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