Listen

Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises! Sing your praises to the Lord with the lyre—with the lyre and the sound of music. With trumpets and a horn blast, shout triumphantly before the Lord, the king!

Psalm 98:4-6

Think

Biblical joy does not ignore pain. Praise helps us take our focus off ourselves and focus on the one who is worthy. Our psalm for today summons the whole earth to acclaim God with joy, instruments, and song. God is worthy of praise at all times. This does not mean, at all, that God wants you to ignore your reality. On the contrary, by looking at your reality, you can overcome what you are going through because you know that your hope, justice, grace, and opportunities are in God.

When have you seen God’s faithful work in your life that led you to thank God with joyful cries? A forgiveness offered, a small breakthrough in your life and in your projects, a reconciliation with your friends, a shared laughter. How much joy God wants to offer us! Not only to live it but also to share it. In the midst of the difficult, share joy, for in doing so, we experience the kingdom of God. And remember, it is also legitimate to sing in tears: God receives both.

Elmer Amaya

Question to Ponder:

What signs of God’s kingdom did you see this week?

Pray

God of joy, comfort my heart at all times and teach me to celebrate your faithfulness. May my voice and my abilities be instruments for your glory and the common good. Amen.

Go

Go in peace. May our faithful God strengthen your steps. Listen, love, and act justly. May what you have learned today be put into practice in your life and be a blessing to others.