To read: Psalm 126
New Revised Standard Version Bible,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.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Did
you know that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile? Laughter is a cascade of merriment. When the Lord does great things, how do you respond? Do you respond in a cascade of merriment, in shouts for joy, or in silent thanksgiving?
We all have things in our lives we wish we could change or be different. However, it is important to remember that the Lord has done great things for all of us, and he will continue to do so. Even when we are going down a rocky path, the Lord is by our side, holding our hand through it, ready to restore us at just the right moment. When the time comes to be restored, laugh, shout, jump up and down or cry. Don't be afraid.
My mom and I always like to say that God has a sense of humor; he knows the outcome of our lives before we do. So have a sense of humor with him, trust that you will be restored, and never forget to laugh.
To pray:
Lord, I pray that we may have complete trust in you, that we may give up all our worries and stresses to you. God, please restore us. Guide us through the hard times, and laugh with us through the good. Amen.
Peer Minister, University of Delaware Lutheran Student Association
Christ Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Va.