“The Psalmist sings: When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts 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 rejoiced.” Psalm 126
I must confess, at times I catch myself thinking more about what God hasn’t given me instead of thinking about all God has given me. This third week of Advent calls us to joy. Joy is one of the marks of believers in Christ. In spite of challenges, pain, affliction, and brokenness we are a people who are called to live joyfully. We are not called to be joyful by living in denial. We are not called to be joyful by putting on a happy face no matter what. We are called to joy because the God who created us has redeemed us through the life, death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoice!
Action: Make a list of the things God has done for you and rejoice!
Prayer: O God, may we live as people who rejoice! Thank you for what you have done in our lives that reminds us that you are God, that you love us, and that you are working ahead of us and in spite of us. We give you thanks for the joy we have in knowing that we are your children and that you are our God. Amen.