Ordinary Time

Pause

In the Lord I'll be ever thankful,
In the Lord I will rejoice!
Look to God, do not be afraid.
Lift up your voices, the Lord is near,
Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

from Communaute de Taizé

Listen

When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them!” Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.

Psalm 126:1-3

Think

I have a wonderful life, by all measures. I am economically secure. I have people who love me. I have purpose in my life.

And yet… I am still easily dissatisfied. Not always, but more often than I should be. I notice that I am hardly alone in this. We are good at comparing ourselves to others and feeling that we, or our lives, are not enough.

So this text reminds me – we worship a great God. Regardless of what else is happening in our lives, we have a God who loves us, and nothing can change that love. That alone is cause for rejoicing. Add in all the other great things God has done for us, and we too are overjoyed.

Today, take a few minutes to write a “thank you” letter to God for all the great things God has done for you. Perhaps as you do, you will find yourself filled with joy.

Michelle Terry

Pray

God of all joy, thank you for everything good in my life. Above all else, thank you for your love and the joy you bring to my life. Amen.

Go

Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:16b-17