A Time For Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice 

(Philippians 4:4)

As we know, each week of advent has a theme and this week coming up, the theme is Joy. During this season, it can be easy to feel the stress of life with school, work, and family commitments. But it is important to think about the amazing gifts of God and the marvelous coming of God's son that we are preparing for during advent. I often find myself turning to the Psalms when I am seeking a prayer because I like the idea of praying a song that was written so long along and yet still holds true. For this week, I offer you Psalm 71.

Psalm 71:18-24 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

So even to old age and gray hairs,   
O God, do not forsake me,until I proclaim your might
    to all the generations to come.
Your power and your righteousness, O God,
    reach the high heavens.You who have done great things,
    O God, who is like you? 

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities

    will revive me again;from the depths of the earth

    you will bring me up again.
You will increase my honor,

    and comfort me once again.
I will also praise you with the harp

    for your faithfulness, O my God;

I will sing praises to you with the lyre,

    O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy

    when I sing praises to you;    my soul also, which you have rescued. 

All day long my tongue will talk of your righteous help,
for those who tried to do me harm have been put to shame, and disgraced.

What are things in your life that bring you joy? Sometimes, the things that bring us the most joy are the people we spend the least time with, or the things we spend the least time doing. This week, make joy a priority in your life. Do something every day that brings you joy.