rejoice

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 118:

God. Abba. Father.

This is the day you have made! We will rejoice! When we experience your vast mercy and compassion, we are filled with great joy, deep love and, even unexplainable happiness.

We proclaim your goodness because your love never fails. Never! When we are disappointed, frustrated, angry, scared, lonely, depressed, or anxious, we can find hope because we are confident that nothing will separate us from your love, God. Thank you!

You are with us, always. You are our strength, our rock, our fortress. When the circumstances of life overwhelm us, we find sanctuary in your loving arms. When we find our footing to be unsteady, you hold us tight and keep us from falling into the ravine.

We thank you for Jesus, the one whom the psalmist identifies as the stone the builders rejected, who has now become the capstone, high and lifted up. When we look at how you have blessed us, we say, “This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes!” We often cannot believe how much you have blessed us. We pray that others would be able to see the bounty of your grace and love. We celebrate you, Lord, for this new day you have given to us!

Thank you for the salvation that comes from the cross of grace. We have been given freedom and joy at your hands. Thank you! We walk in your light, your life.

You are our savior, the One True God. Thank you for never quitting on us. You are always here for us, with love overflowing! Thank you for offering your compassion to any who call on your name.

And we thank you for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The wall around of The City of David in Jerusalem.

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah. Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 14.

Remember the doom and gloom for Babylon in Isaiah 13? Today’s chapter starts on an encouraging word: “But not so with Jacob. God will have compassion on Jacob. Once again he’ll choose Israel. He’ll establish them in their own country.” (v1, MSG).

In fact, the prophet encourages the people of Israel and the trees of the field to rejoice: “And now it’s over, the whole earth quietly at rest. Burst into song! Make the rafters ring! Ponderosa pine trees are happy, giant Lebanon cedars are relieved.” (v7, MSG).

Yes, there is mocking and deriding the kings of Babylon, Assyria and the Philistines.

Then, for God’s chosen people, His children: “What does one say to outsiders who ask questions? Tell them,“God has established Zion. Those in need and in trouble find refuge in her.”” (v32, MSG).

Hallelujah! Turn to Zion all you who are troubled and heavy-hearted. You can find shelter in the strong tower of Mt. Zion. You can find a safe place in the strong tower of God alone.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety.” (Proverbs 18:10, CEV)

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