This is the day
On February 1, 2021 by Keturah HaferkampFebruary 1 is a Monday this year which makes this day a starting point for the work week among other things.
Today is the start of Black History Month in the states. Each year I do something different. This year I plan to read a prayer each day from a compilation edited by Dr. JAMES Melvin Washington entitled Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans.
Then today continues to be special because we have many things to do in preparation for “take off”. After several weeks of waiting, we are finally at a point where we can “gear up to go”. A very exciting day indeed though there is still MUCH to be done.
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Today is also special because I am reading one of my most favorite Psalms for the week. I mentioned in an earlier post that I meditate on the week’s scripture text in preparation for the upcoming sermon. PSALM 126 has been special to me for many years for many reasons. Looking forward to a robust week of reading!
There’s a kind of restorative goodness of Psalm 126 that seeps into my bones. I read it and I feel its life in me.
…we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Shouts of Joy three times. I always make fine distinctions between words. In Hebrew to mention a thing 3 times means its pretty significant.
The word Joy is important in this Psalm. In this case the word Joy and the way Joy is manifest are also important. What Joy is and how Joy manifests aren’t one and the same I think. Some people’s joy is loud, exuberantly spilling over into laughter and shouting. It could be so strong and deeply felt that it’s accompanied by tears. Others are quiet in their Joy, imbibing it, feasting on the goodness before them. However it ends up manifesting, I love to see it in this Psalm.
The turning point is not subtle: we were sad and now we are glad.
Indicated in earlier Psalms there is a pivot from
And
To
those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.
If you’ve ever held a long sadness, then that is a treasure of a promise.
Shouting is not how my Joy always looks though and I have wondered about this. I do believe that Joy and being in Joy are commands worthy of obedience. I also think it is important for the body to participate. What does Joy look like? is that in offering of praises? Is it singing, dancing, laughing, shouting? Is it a quiet trusting? Is it in work, like gathering sheaves? Like carrying the weight of glory between your shoulders?
Yes and more. Maybe some manifestations of Joy are more situationally appropriate than others. But when the heart is full, and one’s whole being rejoices– Joy pours forth. I know I don’t know how to hold it in.
I marvel at God’s grace in my life. I have been given so much beautiful grace that I could never deserve. I feel satisfied and thankful for the opportunity before me. What a good and perfect gift.
The Lord has done great things for us and we are [filled with joy].