Ordinary Time

Pause

Now thank we all our God, with heart, and hands, and voices.

Who wondrous things hath done, in whom [Godā€™s] world rejoices.

Martin Rinkart, ā€œNow Thank We All Our Godā€

Listen

When theĀ Lord changed Zionā€™s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;Ā our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, ā€œThe Lord has done great things for them!ā€ Yes, theĀ Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.

Psalm 126:1-3

Think

Laughter just might be my favorite sound. I have two children and when they start laughing and sharing their joy about a silly joke, a funny show, or something they just came up with, it brings this deep joy to my soul.

We don’t often talk about it, but laughter and joy are an amazing way to express thanksgiving. When we laugh at a good joke that a friend tells or a funny story that someone is sharing, we are expressing our gratitude and thankfulness for them in that moment.

When we read this psalm, we see Godā€™s people using laughter and joy as a way of praising God. For all the difficulties and hard times they have been through, when they realize that God has not left them nor abandoned them, their hearts are filled with joy. They laugh and smile and give thanks to God!

Justin Sizemore

Question to Ponder:

What are you joyfully thankful for today?

Pray

God of laughter and joy, thank you for the gifts of laughter and joy! May we share them with you and with one another.

One thing thatā€™s bringing me joy today isā€¦

Amen.

Go

Give thanks for the past and know that God was with you.

Give thanks for today and know that God is with you now.

Give thanks for tomorrow and know that God will be with you still.