Psalm 126
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the NATIONS “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
The Lord has clearly done great things for us. We have been given tremendous freedoms, both in our expressions of our faith, and in educating our children.
Some of you may be wondering if you have been on the wrong track, how do you obtain the joy of the Lord as your strength. Friends, I urge you to pray for it, to seek it and to act in obedience. When the Israelites were told to cross the River Jordan to the Promised Land, the river did not cease flowing until the priest’s toe touched the water. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Ps. 32:11 says “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” You might say, “I don’t feel like rejoicing.” But God didn’t say, “Rejoice, only if you feel like it.” No! He said, “Rejoice always.” Obviously, God knows that you don’t feel like rejoicing always. But he commanded it, so how do we do it? Joy comes from trusting and obeying God’s word. Joy comes from knowing God is working to accomplish His purposes in all things for the GOOD of those who love him. But if you feel you are beyond yourself, simply act in obedience, just like those priests did. Rejoice. Sing a thankful hymn. Take a laugh break with your kids. Institute a family joke night. Read a funny story, read the Bible. Pray.
