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!
