Friday, December 3, 2021
Joy and the Psalms
Conversion
The Book of Psalms calls us to praise God and during this first week of Advent we will focus on the power of the psalms in a number of ways: to connect us with God as sisters and brothers in Christ, to give us a healing pathway on which to carry our lament to the Spirit, to call us together as we praise and honor the creator God, and to offer us the opportunity for our conversion.
Click on the scripture links and explore other versions of these verses. Share an idea about the surprise of joy in the dark places and times in our lives with a loved one, a neighbor or friend. And allow the surprise of joy to brighten each day as we move forward in the season of hope-filled waiting for the arrival of the Christ.
Psalm 105 verse 43: So he led his chosen people out, and they sang and shouted for joy.
God replies: I am with you when you are abandoned and rejected.
Psalm 119 verse 143: I am filled with trouble and anxiety, but your commandments bring me joy.
God replies: I am with you when you are disheartened and oppressed.
Psalm 126 verse 5: Let those who wept as they planted their crops, gather the harvest with joy!
God replies: I am with you when you are broken-hearted and alone.
Psalm 126 verse 6: Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest.
God replies: I am with you when you beaten, and abused, and ridiculed for my sake. I come to walk among you . . . and you call me Emmanuel!
For a reminder of God’s promises, spend time with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 or his Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6 . . . and rejoice. For God is with us and God has converted all manner of injustice against us.
Image from: http://www.boisemustardseed.org/2012/11/29/advent-2012/
The Noontimes 