I read a chapter in Eugene Peterson's A Long Journey in the Same Direction this morning. The chapter was based on Psalm 126 and was about JOY.
Psalm 126 (NIV)
A song of ascents.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Peterson translates the center sentence in the Psalm: “We are one happy people!” What a great description of the people who know and follow God! May it be said of you!
In Peterson's chapter, there were several quotes I wanted to share with you. First:
- I have read that during the process of canonization [naming a person a saint] the Catholic Church demands proof of joy in the candidate, and although I have not been able to track down chapter and verse I like the suggestion that dourness is not a sacred attribute. (Phyllis McGinley)
Another one. I really laughed at this one:
- He was entirely unselfish, and in his long life he never committed a pleasure. (Ellen Glasgow)
One more that I hope can be said of me:
- His smiles were fraught with greater meaning than his sermons. (Elie Wiesel in Souls on Fire, speaking of Hasid Levi-Yitzhak)
I hope these quotes will again remind you that our God gives us “greater joy than when their grain abounds…” (Psalm 4)
Thanks for reflecting with me!
2 comments:
way to go Dad! impressive blog! :) i can't help you cause i don't really know how to do it! haha.
comments on your blog on Psalm 126 today... as you know, i'm currently involved in a study of Beth Moore's Stepping Up: a journey through the psalms of ascent. my study from psalm 126 talked about how the people of this psalm on this journey, and yes, oftentime us too, are "living between the times." in this psalm, the first 3 verses focus on a good time remembered, while the final 3 verses petition God to do something "good" like that again. when we "live between the times" we must constantly remind ourselves of God's promises... such as those found in the well treasured verse, Jeremiah 29:11. i will quote a bit from Beth Moore...
'Take heart that God sees you and is moved by your plight. He still performs wonders. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Profess your belief to Him daily that you will see the evidence of His gracious hand and, like the psalmist David, stay confident of this: "I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14)'
also, since Beth Moore is such the more eloquent writer than i... i will "sign off" with more of her words...
"You and I will never move to the next level with God if we're scared half to death of what awaits us. On this mysterious pilgrimage we will find that when we do meet difficulties and sorrows, they were not meant to stop us but to form the character required for our great harvest in the coming season. Step into your future, Precious One. Something wonderful awaits you."
Dad, I'm so proud of you! You're so much more technically advanced then any of your kids, which is crazy!
I just want to say that I've always thought the BEST thing about you as a pastor (and a person) is the LOVE that just emanates from you... you can't help it, you just love everyone you meet, even when it's not particularly easy. I'm so proud of you for keeping your head up during the tough times in your life and ministry, and keeping such a strong faith in the Lord through it all. We are praying for you, and know that God has something so special planned for you and Mom... we can't WAIT to see what it is! Love you!
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