Be joyful in the Lord

08Apr
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands;
serve the Lord with gladness 
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God;
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

-Psalm 100 Jubilate Deo


 This short psalm is a joyful invitation for all of creation to worship God with gladness and gratitude. Another translation of the first line is “make a joyful noise.” 

We have just experienced another Easter. The tomb is empty and Christ is risen. Christ is alive and with us. His victory is our victory. As the Hymn “He is risen, he is risen” states, “… death is conquered, we are free, Christ has won the victory.” Hallelujah!


Almost thirty years ago, at an extremely low point in my life, I entered a treatment center. A picture very similar to the one above spoke to me in a profound way while I was there. The image gave me much needed hope that no matter what, there was a God who created the world and created me. Further, and more importantly, I experienced, in a new and different way, that this God loved me no matter what, unconditionally and without limitation. I was going to be OK if I maintained and cultivated my relationship with this loving Higher Power. 


Over the ensuing years, I have had trials and tribulations and pain and loss, but my experience has been that if I maintain my relationship and stay spiritually fit as to my Creator, I don’t need to feel alone or abandoned in such suffering. I can call on and rely on a power greater than myself to comfort and guide me through life’s challenges. 


As to your spiritual journey, what people, places or things have helped you experience a new reality? Who or what has occurred to allow God, or a new spirituality, to break through? Do you think it is essential that we claim and remember our own stories, our own spirituality, and our own miracles?

Musical Reflection - He is Risen, Arranged by Benjamin Tyler Griffin


Loving and forgiving God-- Help us to remember we are human beings and that we can quit playing God. Help us to accept our imperfections. We thank you for our spiritual experiences that draw us closer to You and make us whole. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

JoyRelationship

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